10 Fantastic Learning Breaks in Europe for the Coming Year

Discover a domain of new skills paired with stunning locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide an ideal combination of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even absolute newcomers will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District rock faces on this short session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by 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 hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Available January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday 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 (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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