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Explore a domain of new skills alongside incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures offer a superb blend of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total newcomers will rapidly be climbing protected regional crags on this two-day session. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several 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 Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior 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 Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, 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 training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be