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Discover a realm of new skills paired with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys offer a superb blend of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even total beginners will soon be ascending protected regional outcrops on this weekend course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base 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. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be