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Discover a world of new skills alongside incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide a superb combination of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including absolute novices will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District crags on this two-day program. Learners will master tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants producing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: Starting at 299 pounds. Weekends on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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