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Discover a world of new skills alongside amazing destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures deliver the perfect mix of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total newcomers will soon be climbing protected regional rock faces on this two-day course. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees producing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access 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 of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups 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 teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

Cost: 248 pounds. Sessions on May 30th-31st 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 estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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