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Uncover a domain of new skills combined with incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys offer an ideal combination of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even complete novices will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this short session. Learners will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers 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 teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location 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, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be