A Dozen Excellent Learning Holidays in Europe for the Coming Year

Uncover a domain of new skills combined with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures provide a superb mix of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this short session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Dates from 20 March, May 8th, 11 September and November 13th.

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

Cost: 248 pounds. Sessions on May 30th-31st and 5-6 September.

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be