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Discover a realm of new skills combined with incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys provide an ideal blend of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including complete novices will soon be scaling protected regional crags on this two-day program. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a range of recommended, affordable places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, plus midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

Cost: Starting at €900 for five days. Available from March 20th, May 8th, 11 September and 13 November.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events 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 – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be