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Uncover a domain of new skills combined with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver an ideal combination of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus descending. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus 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 five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several 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.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. 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 wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option 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. Weekends on July 18th-20th and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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