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Uncover a domain of new skills alongside stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys offer the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total beginners will soon be ascending protected regional rock faces on this weekend program. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only option, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched 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 meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors 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.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be