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Uncover a domain of new skills paired with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even total beginners will quickly be scaling protected regional crags on this two-day program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split 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 accommodation but there are a number of places to stay 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 Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of the bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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