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Discover a world of new skills alongside stunning locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures deliver an ideal mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will quickly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this short program. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but you can find a selection of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at 900 euros for five days. Dates from 20 March, 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 format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Guests 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 holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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