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Discover a world of new skills paired with incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular adventures provide the perfect mix of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even complete novices will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this short course. Learners will master tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only option, but there is a list of suggested, affordable places to stay close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert 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 Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be