A Dozen Fantastic Learning Getaways in Europe for the Coming Year
Uncover a domain of novel talents combined with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures offer an ideal mix of education and holiday.
Cliff Scaling in the National Park
Including complete newcomers will soon be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this short program. Participants will learn tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.
Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, along with weekday courses throughout the year.
Modern Art in AndalucĂa
MoclĂn, a ancient town in AndalucĂa, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.
Cost: From €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.
Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve
This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.
Cost: Starting at €900 for five days. Available from 20 March, May 8th, September 11th and November 13th.
Hip Hop in High Wycombe
This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.
Cost: ÂŁ245 for three days; next course 7-9 April.
Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall
St Ives is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”
Cost: Starting at ÂŁ429. Dates 31 January-3 February and October 31st to November 3rd.
Creative Writing in Crete
Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.
Cost: Starting at ÂŁ893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.
Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales
A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.
Cost: 248 pounds. Sessions on May 30th-31st and 5-6 September.
Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary
These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.
Cost: From 299 pounds. Weekends on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.
Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos
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