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Discover a realm of new skills paired with amazing places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys offer a superb blend of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even total novices will rapidly be ascending protected regional crags on this two-day session. Learners will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants 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 instructors. This event does not provide lodging 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 Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat 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 share). On the last night, budding authors 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), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees 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 polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be