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Uncover a realm of new skills combined with amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures provide an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total newcomers will quickly be ascending protected regional crags on this two-day course. Attendees will learn tying in, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable places to stay close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be