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Explore a world of new skills alongside stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures offer an ideal mix of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including complete newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day course. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a list of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with participants producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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