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Uncover a domain of new skills paired with stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys offer an ideal combination of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even total novices will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District rock faces on this short session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with descending. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue 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, plus midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The cost covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers 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. The camp 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 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be