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Discover a world of new skills alongside amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences offer an ideal mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including absolute beginners will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this short program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will learn 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 charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation 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 the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers 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 host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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