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Discover a realm of new skills combined with incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures offer a superb combination of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even complete novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District outcrops on this short session. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. This program is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a range of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees 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 forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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