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Explore a domain of new skills combined with stunning destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys provide the perfect combination of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even complete beginners will soon be climbing protected regional outcrops on this short course. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. This program is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels according to 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 doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect spot 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 vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts 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 based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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