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Uncover a domain of new skills alongside amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide the perfect blend of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even complete newcomers will soon be scaling protected regional crags on this two-day session. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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