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Explore a world of new skills alongside stunning destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences provide a superb mix of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even complete novices will quickly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this short course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed 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 fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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