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Discover a world of new skills alongside stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys provide a superb blend of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even absolute newcomers will quickly be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this short program. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be