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Explore a domain of new skills combined with amazing destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys offer an ideal blend of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including total newcomers will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District crags on this weekend course. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, along with descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only option, but you can find a range of suggested, budget-friendly lodging nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The cost covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels 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 does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work 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 foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners 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: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees 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 centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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