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Explore a world of new skills paired with stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences deliver an ideal blend of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even absolute newcomers will soon be ascending protected regional crags on this two-day session. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with participants producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, 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 falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several 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.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base 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 come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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