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Discover a realm of new skills paired with amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver an ideal blend of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including complete newcomers will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day session. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, along with rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only option, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient town in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From £429. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be