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Uncover a domain of new skills paired with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys deliver an ideal blend of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including total newcomers will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short session. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but there is a range of recommended, budget-friendly lodging nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be