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Uncover a domain of new skills paired with amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences offer a superb blend of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will quickly be climbing protected regional rock faces on this weekend session. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a selection of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed 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 hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, 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 base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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