🔗 Share this article

Discover a world of fresh abilities combined with incredible locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences deliver the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will quickly be ascending protected Peak District crags on this two-day course. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a list of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

Cost: From €900 for five days. Dates from March 20th, 8 May, 11 September and 13 November.

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

Cost: 248 pounds. Dates on May 30th-31st and September 5th-6th.

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: From 299 pounds. Dates on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be