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Discover a realm of new skills alongside stunning places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys deliver an ideal blend of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even total novices will soon be climbing protected regional outcrops on this two-day program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a list of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, 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 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers 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 one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, 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 retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, 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 Cyprus

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