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Discover a world of new skills paired with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide a superb combination of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even complete novices will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day course. Learners will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be