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Explore a realm of new skills paired with stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver an ideal blend of education and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including total beginners will soon be ascending protected Peak District rock faces on this short program. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa 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, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax 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 night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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