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Discover a domain of new skills alongside incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences offer a superb combination of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional crags on this weekend session. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a list of suggested, affordable accommodation close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. 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. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats 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, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three 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 lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be