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Explore a realm of new skills paired with incredible destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys deliver an ideal combination of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including absolute novices will soon be climbing protected regional rock faces on this weekend program. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group 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 includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. 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 polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be