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Uncover a world of new skills alongside amazing places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys offer an ideal blend of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even total beginners will rapidly be scaling sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend program. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside 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: From 299 pounds. Weekends on July 18th-20th and September 4th-6th.

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be