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Uncover a domain of new skills combined with stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences deliver a superb combination of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even total novices will quickly be scaling sheltered regional outcrops on this weekend course. Attendees will master tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly lodging close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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