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Discover a domain of new skills alongside stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide a superb combination of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even total novices will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day session. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The fee includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate 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 Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on 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 discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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