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Discover a world of new skills alongside amazing destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences provide the perfect mix of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even complete novices will rapidly be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend program. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. 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

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees 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 sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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