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Discover a domain of new skills combined with amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences provide a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including complete beginners will soon be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this short session. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up 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 rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author 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 surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds 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 on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: From £299. Weekends on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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