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Explore a world of new skills paired with amazing places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences provide a superb combination of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total beginners will rapidly be climbing protected regional crags on this two-day program. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but you can find a list of recommended, affordable places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The fee covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging 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 the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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