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Explore a domain of new skills paired with stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures deliver an ideal mix of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including complete novices will rapidly be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a range of recommended, affordable places to stay close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, 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 hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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