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Explore a domain of new skills alongside amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences offer an ideal blend of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will quickly be climbing protected Peak District crags on this two-day course. Participants will learn tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught 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 retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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