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Explore a world of new skills combined with incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys deliver a superb combination of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including complete newcomers will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. 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 cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From £429. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be