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Discover a realm of new skills alongside amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys provide the perfect mix of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total beginners will quickly be ascending protected regional crags on this weekend program. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a range of recommended, affordable lodging in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events 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 – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors 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 recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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