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Uncover a domain of new skills alongside stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures deliver an ideal mix of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even absolute newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this short session. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

Cost: £248. Dates on May 30th-31st 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 designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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