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Uncover a domain of new skills combined with incredible destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences offer the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including total beginners will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day course. Learners will master tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, along with descending. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a list of suggested, budget-friendly lodging nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees producing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: From €900 for a five-day retreat. Available from 20 March, 8 May, September 11th and November 13th.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be