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Discover a domain of new skills paired with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total beginners will quickly be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day course. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with abseiling down. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The fee includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. 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 does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, 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 retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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