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Uncover a domain of new skills alongside incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys provide a superb blend of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even absolute beginners will quickly be ascending protected Peak District crags on this short course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be