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Explore a world of new skills paired with stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences deliver a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including complete novices will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short program. Attendees will learn tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

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, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn 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 based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, 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 chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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