🔗 Share this article

Discover a domain of new skills alongside amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys provide an ideal blend of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including total novices will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a list of suggested, affordable places to stay close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be 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 provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be