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Discover a realm of new skills alongside stunning places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver an ideal combination of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered regional crags on this short session. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

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 folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. 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 traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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