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Discover a world of new skills alongside stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver a superb mix of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day session. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus 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.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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