🔗 Share this article

Discover a domain of new skills combined with amazing destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys provide the perfect mix of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even absolute beginners will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day program. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable places to stay nearby, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be