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Uncover a world of new skills alongside amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys provide a superb mix of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete beginners will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend program. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, plus midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

Cost: £248. Sessions on 30-31 May and 5-6 September.

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be