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Explore a domain of new skills combined with incredible places. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide a superb blend of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even absolute beginners will rapidly be climbing protected regional crags on this weekend course. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but there is a list of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind 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 five days. Dates from 20 March, May 8th, 11 September and 13 November.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

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, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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