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Explore a realm of new skills combined with amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys offer a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including absolute newcomers will quickly be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this weekend program. Participants will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but there is a list of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be