🔗 Share this article

Explore a domain of fresh abilities alongside amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys deliver an ideal combination of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even total novices will quickly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this short session. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a selection of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host 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 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, 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 30-31 May and September 5th-6th.

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swim camp is a {be