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Discover a realm of new skills combined with stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys provide a superb blend of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including complete newcomers will soon be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this short course. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties 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 held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. 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 village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses 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. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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