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Explore a realm of new skills alongside incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide an ideal combination of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will soon be climbing protected regional outcrops on this weekend course. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with participants completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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