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Uncover a world of new skills combined with incredible places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures provide the perfect blend of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including complete novices will soon be ascending protected Peak District crags on this short program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable lodging in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers 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 central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. 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.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be