A Dozen Fantastic Learning Breaks in Europe for the Coming Year

Uncover a realm of fresh abilities combined with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys offer an ideal blend of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including total beginners will rapidly be climbing protected regional crags on this weekend session. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of recommended, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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