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Explore a realm of new skills paired with stunning destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences provide the perfect combination of education and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even total newcomers will rapidly be ascending protected regional crags on this short program. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, along with descending. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the nearby 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 euros for five days. Available from March 20th, 8 May, 11 September and November 13th.

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants 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 instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 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 mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

Cost: 248 pounds. Dates 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 estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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