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Explore a domain of new skills alongside amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences offer a superb blend of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including complete novices will quickly be ascending protected Peak District crags on this two-day course. Learners will master securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 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 host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be