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Discover a world of new skills combined with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide an ideal combination of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including complete novices will quickly be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with descending. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a range of suggested, affordable places to stay close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with participants producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host 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 White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees 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 forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be