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Discover a domain of new skills alongside stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures offer a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even complete novices will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District crags on this short program. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Available from 20 March, 8 May, 11 September and 13 November.

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host 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 White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds 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 host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

Cost: 248 pounds. Sessions on May 30th-31st 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 aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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