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Discover a world of new skills alongside incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys provide a superb blend of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including absolute beginners will soon be climbing protected Peak District crags on this weekend session. Participants will master tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then three 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation 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; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about 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 forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation 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 full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be