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Discover a realm of new skills alongside incredible locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver an ideal blend of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even absolute newcomers will soon be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this weekend program. Learners will master tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The training is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but there is a range of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The cost includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be