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Explore a world of new skills alongside incredible destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys offer a superb mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will quickly be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short session. Participants will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, plus descending. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only option, but there is a range of recommended, affordable accommodation nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be