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Discover a world of new skills alongside stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures offer the perfect mix of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even complete beginners will soon be climbing protected Peak District crags on this two-day course. Learners will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics 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 panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. 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 wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be