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Discover a domain of new skills combined with stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures offer the perfect combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total beginners will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this short course. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a list of recommended, affordable places to stay nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat 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 (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be