A Dozen Excellent Learning Getaways in Europe for the Coming Year

Explore a domain of novel talents paired with stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide an ideal combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will soon be scaling protected regional rock faces on this two-day course. Participants will learn tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a selection of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect 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 nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance 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 during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: Starting at £299. Dates on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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