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Discover a realm of new skills paired with stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver a superb blend of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including complete novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional crags on this short course. Attendees will master tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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