10 Fantastic Learning Breaks in the Continent for the Coming Year

Uncover a domain of novel talents combined with stunning locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures deliver an ideal combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute newcomers will rapidly be climbing protected regional rock faces on this short course. Participants will master tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Available from March 20th, 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 party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be