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Explore a realm of new skills paired with incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures deliver an ideal mix of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even total newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered regional crags on this weekend course. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a list of suggested, budget-friendly lodging nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs 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 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround 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: From 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be