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Discover a world of new skills paired with amazing locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys offer an ideal combination of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even absolute beginners will soon be scaling protected Peak District rock faces on this short course. Participants will learn tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly lodging nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, 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 village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event 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 the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be