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Uncover a domain of new skills combined with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences deliver a superb blend of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even total novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District outcrops on this short session. Attendees will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. The training is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only option, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From £429. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. 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 habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay 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 Sea Swimming in Paphos

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