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Discover a world of new skills combined with incredible locations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys offer the perfect blend of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including complete beginners will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this short course. Learners will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be