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Discover a world of new skills paired with amazing destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures deliver a superb mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day session. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant 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 indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable lodging in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be