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Uncover a realm of new skills combined with amazing places. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures provide the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including total beginners will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend program. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus descending. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient white village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. 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 garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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