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Explore a world of new skills combined with incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys deliver an ideal blend of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including total newcomers will quickly be scaling protected Peak District crags on this two-day course. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, along with descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, 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 for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be