10 Fantastic Learning Breaks in the Continent for the Coming Year

Uncover a realm of new skills paired with stunning places. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver a superb blend of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute novices will quickly be ascending protected Peak District crags on this short program. Attendees will master tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of recommended, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty 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 writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

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 refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be