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Uncover a realm of new skills alongside stunning destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures offer the perfect blend of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even complete beginners will quickly be ascending protected Peak District rock faces on this short program. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

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, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be