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Explore a world of new skills alongside incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures provide the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this weekend session. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but there is a list of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Participants are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. 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 rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent 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 final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday 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 (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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