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Discover a world of new skills alongside amazing places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys provide the perfect combination of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including total newcomers will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional crags on this short session. Learners will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits 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 deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 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 mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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