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Discover a world of new skills paired with amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys provide the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even total beginners will soon be scaling protected regional outcrops on this two-day program. Attendees will master tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a list of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, 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 base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be