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Discover a domain of new skills paired with stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys provide an ideal mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including absolute newcomers will rapidly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this two-day program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. 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 encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

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 group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about 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 woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build 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 sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be