🔗 Share this article

Uncover a realm of novel talents alongside stunning places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences provide the perfect combination of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even absolute beginners will soon be scaling protected regional outcrops on this weekend session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but you can find a list of recommended, budget-friendly lodging nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

Cost: Starting at 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Available from March 20th, May 8th, September 11th and November 13th.

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: Starting at £299. Weekends on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be