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Discover a realm of new skills combined with stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys offer the perfect blend of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even total novices will quickly be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this short course. Participants will master tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend 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 classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel 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 final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly 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 uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve 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 overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be