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Uncover a world of new skills paired with stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures deliver a superb blend of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even complete beginners will soon be scaling sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day course. Learners will become proficient in tying in, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, along with descending. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like 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 strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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