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Uncover a world of new skills combined with amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences offer a superb combination of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even total novices will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day program. Learners will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, 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 completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp 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 the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

Cost: 248 pounds. Sessions 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 Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option 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 Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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