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Explore a realm of new skills combined with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences provide the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including complete novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short session. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but there is a list of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The price covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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