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Uncover a realm of fresh abilities paired with incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver the perfect blend of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including absolute novices will quickly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this short session. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but you can find a selection of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The price covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in 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 understand the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be