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Uncover a world of new skills paired with stunning destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences deliver an ideal blend of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even complete novices will rapidly be ascending protected regional rock faces on this weekend course. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic town in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation 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 three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be