Uncover a domain of novel talents combined with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures provide a superb blend of learning and holiday.
Even complete novices will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this short program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.
Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.
Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.
Cost: From €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.
This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.
Cost: From 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Dates from 20 March, May 8th, 11 September and 13 November.
This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers 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 rail into London.
Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.
This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn 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 closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives 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, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”
Cost: Starting at £429. Dates 31 January-3 February and October 31st to November 3rd.
Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held 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 (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.
Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.
The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.
Cost: 248 pounds. Sessions on 30-31 May and September 5th-6th.
These recently launched 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 skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.
Cost: Starting at £299. Weekends on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.
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