Ten Top Educational Getaways in Europe for the Coming Year

Uncover a domain of new skills paired with amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences provide the perfect combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this weekend course. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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