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Discover a domain of new skills combined with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide an ideal blend of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including complete novices will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this weekend program. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, along with descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The fee covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect 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 hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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