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Discover a world of new skills paired with amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences offer an ideal combination of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will soon be scaling protected Peak District crags on this two-day session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. This program is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a list of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to 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 lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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