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Discover a realm of new skills alongside stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular adventures provide the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even absolute novices will soon be ascending protected regional outcrops on this short session. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay close by, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “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 Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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