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Discover a domain of new skills paired with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures deliver the perfect combination of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this weekend course. Learners will master tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes 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 non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be