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Explore a domain of new skills combined with amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures provide a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including absolute novices will quickly be scaling protected Peak District rock faces on this two-day course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including novices – 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 out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, 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 retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English 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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