🔗 Share this article

Explore a world of novel talents paired with stunning locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures deliver a superb mix of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including complete newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day course. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay 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 Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, 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 retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be