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Explore a realm of new skills combined with amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys provide a superb mix of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even complete novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus descending. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but you can find a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore 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 relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be