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Discover a realm of new skills combined with stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys provide the perfect combination of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even absolute newcomers will quickly be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day session. Learners will master tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

Cost: Starting at €900 for five days. Dates from 20 March, May 8th, 11 September and 13 November.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From £429. Dates January 31st to February 3rd 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 tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (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 eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: From 299 pounds. Dates on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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