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Uncover a realm of new skills combined with incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures provide an ideal combination of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even total newcomers will quickly be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this short course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. 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. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be