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Uncover a realm of fresh abilities alongside incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys offer the perfect blend of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including absolute beginners will soon be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this short session. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as descending. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The training is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation 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 aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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