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Uncover a realm of new skills combined with amazing locations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures offer a superb blend of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this short session. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals 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 tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds 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 host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be