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Explore a domain of new skills paired with incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys offer the perfect mix of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including absolute beginners will soon be scaling protected regional outcrops on this weekend session. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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