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Explore a domain of new skills combined with incredible locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys provide a superb mix of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total newcomers will quickly be ascending protected Peak District crags on this short course. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, along with rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees creating several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, locations and tension, 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 retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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