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Discover a domain of new skills combined with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences offer an ideal mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even complete newcomers will quickly be ascending protected regional crags on this short program. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a list of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect 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 local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be