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Explore a domain of new skills paired with stunning destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular journeys offer a superb combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including complete beginners will quickly be climbing protected Peak District crags on this weekend course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus descending. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be