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Uncover a world of new skills alongside incredible locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys provide an ideal blend of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including absolute novices will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day program. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but you can find a selection of recommended, budget-friendly lodging in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to 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 pounds. Dates on May 30th-31st and September 5th-6th.

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for 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 training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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