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Uncover a domain of new skills combined with stunning locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences deliver the perfect blend of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including absolute beginners will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short program. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with abseiling down. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The course is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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