🔗 Share this article

Uncover a realm of novel talents paired with incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures provide the perfect mix of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even absolute newcomers will quickly be scaling protected regional rock faces on this weekend program. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends 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. Participants 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 day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swim camp is a {be