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Uncover a world of new skills combined with stunning places. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences offer an ideal combination of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even complete novices will rapidly be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend course. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll 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 weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be