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Discover a world of new skills alongside amazing places. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular journeys offer an ideal mix of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, as well as descending. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but you can find a list of recommended, budget-friendly lodging in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with guests producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be