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Uncover a realm of new skills combined with amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide the perfect combination of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this short session. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line 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 Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard 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 pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants 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 experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, 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 pounds. Dates on 30-31 May and 5-6 September.

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: Starting at 299 pounds. Dates on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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