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Discover a world of new skills alongside amazing destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver a superb blend of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even total beginners will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

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 party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From £429. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, 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 summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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