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Discover a domain of new skills paired with amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys deliver a superb mix of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered regional crags on this short program. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

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 introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, 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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