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Discover a domain of new skills alongside amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences provide a superb mix of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even total beginners will quickly be climbing protected Peak District crags on this two-day session. Attendees will learn tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 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 farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful 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 uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be