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Uncover a realm of new skills paired with incredible locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver an ideal combination of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only option, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited 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 hills. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre'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, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: Starting at 299 pounds. Weekends 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