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Discover a domain of new skills alongside incredible places. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures deliver an ideal mix of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including absolute novices will soon be ascending protected regional rock faces on this short session. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors 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 packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. 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. Weekends on July 18th-20th and September 4th-6th.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be