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Explore a domain of new skills paired with stunning locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences provide a superb combination of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including absolute newcomers will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District crags on this two-day session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, along with descending. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll 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, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests 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 such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho 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: Starting at 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Dates from 20 March, 8 May, 11 September and 13 November.

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. 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 the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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