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Explore a domain of new skills combined with incredible places. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures provide the perfect combination of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even complete novices will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert 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 Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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