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Uncover a world of new skills alongside amazing places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver a superb combination of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even absolute beginners will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day course. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated 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.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes 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 Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle 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 tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, 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 base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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