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Explore a realm of new skills paired with incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures deliver a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including complete newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this weekend program. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split 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 teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, 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 weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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