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Explore a realm of new skills paired with incredible locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver an ideal blend of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including complete beginners will quickly be climbing protected regional crags on this two-day course. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly lodging close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The cost encompasses 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 one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping 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 attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen 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 residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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