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Explore a domain of new skills paired with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide an ideal mix of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even total beginners will quickly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this short session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The cost includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, 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 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe 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. Sessions on May 30th-31st and September 5th-6th.

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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