Explore a domain of fresh abilities paired with incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys deliver the perfect blend of education and escape.
Rock Climbing in the National Park
Even absolute newcomers will rapidly be climbing protected regional rock faces on this two-day course. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.
Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus midweek sessions most months.
Non-Representational Art in Spain
This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The price covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.
Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.
Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal
This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by 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 like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.
Cost: From €900 for a five-day retreat. Available from March 20th, 8 May, September 11th and November 13th.
Hip Hop in High Wycombe
This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.
Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.
Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall
St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”
Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.
Writing in Greece
Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.
Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.
Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales
A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.
Cost: £248. Sessions on May 30th-31st and 5-6 September.
Yachting for Beginners in Essex
These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.
Cost: From £299. Weekends on July 18th-20th and September 4th-6th.
Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus
The location for this swim camp is a {be
