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Discover a domain of new skills paired with stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even total novices will quickly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this weekend session. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, and midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

Cost: From 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 uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session 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 popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From £429. Available 31 January-3 February and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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