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Explore a realm of new skills combined with amazing places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys provide a superb mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including absolute beginners will quickly be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend program. Participants will learn tying in, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, plus descending. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to 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 a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate 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.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: Starting at £299. Weekends on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be