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Uncover a realm of new skills paired with incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver the perfect combination of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including complete novices will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional rock faces on this weekend program. Learners will master tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop 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, then three 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From £429. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be