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Discover a realm of new skills paired with stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver a superb combination of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including total novices will quickly be ascending protected Peak District rock faces on this short course. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, plus descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers 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 train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: Starting at 299 pounds. Weekends on July 18th-20th and September 4th-6th.

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be