Ten Fantastic Learning Holidays in the Continent for the Coming Year

Explore a realm of fresh abilities paired with incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even absolute beginners will quickly be climbing protected Peak District crags on this short session. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, located 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 throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

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, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (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 eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore 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 relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: From £299. Dates on July 18th-20th and 4-6 September.

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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