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Uncover a world of new skills alongside stunning locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide an ideal mix of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including absolute beginners will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this short session. Participants will master tying in, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From £429. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers 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 steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be