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Uncover a realm of new skills alongside stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures deliver a superb blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including complete beginners will quickly be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this short program. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, along with descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, along with midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. 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 including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp 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 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be