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Discover a domain of new skills paired with incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide the perfect blend of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered regional crags on this weekend program. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable lodging nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around 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 excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, 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 local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s 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 includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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