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Uncover a world of new skills combined with amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular adventures offer an ideal combination of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even absolute novices will quickly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this weekend course. Participants will master tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

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 party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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