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Uncover a domain of new skills combined with amazing locations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences provide the perfect combination of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even absolute beginners will rapidly be climbing protected regional rock faces on this two-day session. Learners will master tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train 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 Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient town in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be