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Discover a realm of new skills alongside incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures deliver a superb mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this short program. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a list of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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