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Explore a domain of new skills paired with amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide an ideal blend of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including absolute newcomers will soon be ascending protected regional crags on this weekend session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, along with descending. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to plan and create modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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