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Uncover a domain of new skills paired with stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular adventures deliver an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including complete novices will quickly be ascending protected regional outcrops on this weekend course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors 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' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be