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Uncover a world of new skills alongside stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures provide an ideal mix of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including complete novices will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated 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 Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Available January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing 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 adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be