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Uncover a realm of new skills combined with amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys offer a superb combination of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even absolute novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend session. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is day-only course, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk 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 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, 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 pounds. Dates on May 30th-31st and September 5th-6th.

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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