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Discover a realm of new skills combined with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver a superb combination of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even total beginners will soon be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this short program. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable lodging close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held 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 (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden 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

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: From 299 pounds. Weekends on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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