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Uncover a world of new skills alongside incredible destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures deliver an ideal mix of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total novices will soon be scaling sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day course. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable lodging in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be