A Dozen Fantastic Learning Getaways in Europe for the Coming Year

Uncover a domain of new skills combined with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even absolute newcomers will rapidly be ascending protected regional crags on this short course. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend 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 classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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