Explore a domain of novel talents paired with stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences offer the perfect combination of education and escape.
Rock Climbing in the Peaks
Even total beginners will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short session. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.
Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.
Non-Representational Art in Andalucía
Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.
Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.
Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal
This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.
Cost: From 900 euros for five days. Dates from March 20th, May 8th, 11 September and November 13th.
Street Dance in Buckinghamshire
Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.
Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.
Sea Shanty Break in St Ives
This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”
Cost: From 429 pounds. Available January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.
Creative Writing in Crete
Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.
Cost: From £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.
Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales
A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.
Cost: 248 pounds. Sessions on May 30th-31st and September 5th-6th.
Sailing for Novices in Essex
These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.
Cost: From 299 pounds. Dates on July 18th-20th and September 4th-6th.
Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus
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