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Discover a domain of new skills paired with stunning locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys offer the perfect mix of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even absolute newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. 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 attendees producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants 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 experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight 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 full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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