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Uncover a world of new skills combined with stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures offer the perfect mix of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even complete newcomers will quickly be climbing protected regional crags on this short course. Learners will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The fee covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

Cost: From €900 for a five-day retreat. Available from 20 March, May 8th, September 11th and 13 November.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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