🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of fresh abilities paired with amazing places. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys offer an ideal combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even complete novices will quickly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this short program. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a range of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be