🔗 Share this article

Discover a realm of fresh abilities alongside amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys offer the perfect combination of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including complete newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day session. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with guests completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be