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Discover a world of new skills alongside amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide an ideal combination of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even complete novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day session. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. This program is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “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 lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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