🔗 Share this article

Explore a domain of new skills alongside incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences offer an ideal blend of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even total newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this weekend course. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a range of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone 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 non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be