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Explore a realm of new skills paired with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures provide an ideal combination of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including absolute newcomers will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend course. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, along with descending. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching 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 indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, and midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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