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Discover a world of new skills paired with incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver an ideal combination of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even complete novices will soon be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this short course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board 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: From 429 pounds. Available January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be