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Uncover a domain of new skills paired with amazing destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences offer a superb mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even total beginners will quickly be ascending protected regional rock faces on this two-day course. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, along with abseiling down. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable lodging close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught 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 based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat 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 garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: From 299 pounds. Dates on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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