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Uncover a domain of new skills paired with incredible destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures provide a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including absolute newcomers will rapidly be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this short session. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus descending. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. 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. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels 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. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional 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. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. 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 base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be