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Explore a world of new skills paired with incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences provide a superb combination of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including absolute beginners will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District crags on this short session. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

Cost: 248 pounds. Dates on May 30th-31st and 5-6 September.

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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