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Uncover a world of new skills alongside stunning locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences deliver a superb blend of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including complete beginners will soon be scaling protected regional outcrops on this short course. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay 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 St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, characters, 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 week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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