A Dozen Top Learning Holidays in the Continent for the Coming Year

Uncover a realm of new skills alongside incredible locations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys provide an ideal combination of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even complete newcomers will quickly be ascending protected regional outcrops on this short program. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with descending. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

Cost: From €900 for five days. Dates from 20 March, 8 May, 11 September and 13 November.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Participants are split into groups based on skill level, 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 several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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