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Discover a world of new skills paired with incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular adventures offer a superb combination of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even total beginners will quickly be ascending protected Peak District crags on this short course. Attendees will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees creating several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be