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Explore a realm of new skills alongside incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys provide an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including complete novices will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short course. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, along with 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 aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only option, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, 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 overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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