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Explore a realm of new skills combined with stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys provide the perfect combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even complete novices will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend session. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with descending. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint 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 panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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