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Explore a domain of new skills combined with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures deliver an ideal mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even absolute beginners will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District outcrops on this short course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held 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 encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be