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Uncover a world of new skills paired with amazing places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences deliver the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend program. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable lodging close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. 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. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating a number of abstract landscapes 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 rooftop with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

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 meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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