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Explore a realm of new skills paired with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys provide an ideal mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including total novices will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day session. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but you can find a range of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs 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 rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, 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 Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be