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Discover a world of new skills paired with incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences deliver a superb mix of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even absolute novices will quickly be ascending sheltered Peak District crags on this short course. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be