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Discover a domain of novel talents combined with incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences deliver an ideal mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even complete newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short session. Participants will master tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The fee includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split 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 advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties 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 retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices 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 more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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