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Explore a realm of new skills paired with incredible locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures offer a superb mix of education and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even complete beginners will soon be scaling protected regional crags on this weekend program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but you can find a list of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held 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 (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats 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 helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be