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Explore a realm of new skills paired with incredible places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures offer a superb blend of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including absolute novices will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this weekend course. Learners will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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