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Explore a world of new skills alongside incredible locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide an ideal combination of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will quickly be ascending protected regional crags on this weekend course. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a range of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests creating several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host 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 – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation 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 weekend sailing courses 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. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be