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Explore a world of new skills combined with amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures provide the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend session. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be