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Explore a realm of new skills combined with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys offer a superb blend of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total newcomers will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels 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. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in 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 are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees 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 organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. 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. Dates on July 18th-20th and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be