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Explore a realm of new skills combined with amazing destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences deliver an ideal combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including total newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day course. Attendees will learn tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only option, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions 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 Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be