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Discover a domain of new skills paired with amazing destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures offer an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even absolute beginners will quickly be ascending sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores 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 week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 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 host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to 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 30-31 May and September 5th-6th.

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be