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Uncover a domain of new skills alongside stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular adventures offer the perfect combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including complete beginners will quickly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this two-day session. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a range of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce 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 Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay 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 setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught 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 final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a 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.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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