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Uncover a realm of new skills combined with incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences offer an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including absolute beginners will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly lodging nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split 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 teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores 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 start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be