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Discover a realm of new skills combined with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys provide the perfect combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even complete novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this weekend program. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs 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 the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The fee includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. 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 wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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