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Uncover a realm of new skills combined with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide a superb blend of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including total novices will rapidly be scaling protected regional crags on this two-day course. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a list of recommended, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat 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, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be