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Explore a realm of new skills paired with stunning locations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences offer a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including complete beginners will soon be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this short course. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as descending. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a range of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion 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 covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be