Discover a domain of fresh abilities paired with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences offer a superb mix of learning and vacation.
Rock Climbing in the Peaks
Even complete newcomers will soon be ascending protected Peak District rock faces on this weekend program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.
Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses most months.
Abstract Painting in Spain
Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create modern art. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.
Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.
Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal
This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.
Cost: Starting at €900 for five days. Dates from 20 March, 8 May, 11 September and November 13th.
Street Dance in Buckinghamshire
This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.
Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.
Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall
This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”
Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.
Creative Writing in Greece
Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.
Cost: Starting at £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 programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.
Cost: £248. Sessions on 30-31 May and 5-6 September.
Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary
These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.
Cost: Starting at 299 pounds. Weekends on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.
Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus
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