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

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will rapidly be scaling sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day course. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, 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 pounds. Sessions on May 30th-31st and September 5th-6th.

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms 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: From £299. Weekends on July 18th-20th and September 4th-6th.

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be