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Explore a domain of new skills alongside incredible places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys offer an ideal combination of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will rapidly be scaling protected regional rock faces on this weekend session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, along with abseiling down. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but you can find a range of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers 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), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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