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Discover a realm of new skills alongside stunning places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences offer a superb mix of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even complete novices will soon be scaling protected regional crags on this two-day course. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, 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 30-31 May and 5-6 September.

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be