Discover a domain of novel talents paired with amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys offer a superb combination of education and holiday.
Bouldering in the Peak District
Even complete newcomers will soon be climbing protected regional rock faces on this weekend course. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.
Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.
Abstract Painting in Spain
Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including 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 en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The cost includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.
Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.
Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal
This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests 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, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.
Cost: From 900 euros for five days. Dates from March 20th, May 8th, September 11th and 13 November.
Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire
Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.
Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.
Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall
This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go 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 included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, 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 Greece
Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.
Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.
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 get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.
Cost: 248 pounds. Dates on May 30th-31st and 5-6 September.
Yachting for Novices in Essex
These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.
Cost: From 299 pounds. Dates on July 18th-20th and 4-6 September.
Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus
The location for this swimming holiday is a {be
