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Discover a realm of new skills alongside amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide an ideal blend of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete beginners will soon be ascending protected regional crags on this short program. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus descending. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but you can find a list of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: Starting at 299 pounds. Dates on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be