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Uncover a domain of new skills alongside incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences deliver an ideal combination of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including absolute beginners will quickly be scaling protected regional rock faces on this short course. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only course, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests creating 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 roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several 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 Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, 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 held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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