A Dozen Fantastic Learning Breaks in Europe for the Coming Year

Discover a realm of new skills combined with amazing places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular adventures deliver the perfect blend of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including complete beginners will quickly be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this weekend session. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but there is a list of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient town in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. 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 are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening 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 aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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