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Discover a world of new skills alongside incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures deliver a superb mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even absolute beginners will quickly be climbing sheltered regional crags on this weekend session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, along with descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 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 farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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