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Discover a world of new skills alongside stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences offer a superb mix of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even total beginners will soon be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day course. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only option, but there is a range of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, 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 taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

Cost: 248 pounds. Sessions on 30-31 May and 5-6 September.

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be