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Uncover a domain of new skills combined with stunning places. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences offer the perfect combination of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including total beginners will soon be scaling protected Peak District rock faces on this weekend session. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, along with descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a list of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in 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 attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: Starting at £299. Dates on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be