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Discover a world of new skills alongside incredible destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences provide the perfect blend of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including absolute novices will rapidly be ascending protected regional rock faces on this weekend session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only option, but there is a range of recommended, budget-friendly lodging nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: From 299 pounds. 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