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Uncover a world of new skills paired with amazing locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences provide an ideal blend of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including absolute novices will soon be scaling protected Peak District crags on this two-day program. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs 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 held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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