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Discover a world of new skills paired with incredible places. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular adventures provide a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total beginners will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short course. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn 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 retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying 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 full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be