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Explore a realm of new skills combined with amazing locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys offer an ideal mix of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even complete novices will rapidly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this weekend program. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. 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.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes 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 supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: Starting at £299. Weekends on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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