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Explore a world of new skills combined with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures offer a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete beginners will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend session. Attendees will master tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly lodging close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be