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Explore a world of new skills alongside amazing places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys deliver an ideal blend of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including complete newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day session. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts 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 two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot 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 celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at 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, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be