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Uncover a domain of new skills alongside amazing places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures offer the perfect mix of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including absolute beginners will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District crags on this weekend course. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, plus free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to 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 does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: Starting at £299. Dates on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be