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Explore a world of new skills alongside incredible destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences offer the perfect combination of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even absolute newcomers will quickly be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this short course. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees creating several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

Cost: From €900 for a five-day retreat. Available from 20 March, 8 May, 11 September and 13 November.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. 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.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 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: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be