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Discover a realm of new skills combined with stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys provide an ideal mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will soon be scaling sheltered regional outcrops on this short program. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). 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 seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees 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 sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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