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Explore a realm of new skills alongside incredible destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including absolute newcomers will rapidly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this short program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as descending. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but there is a range of recommended, affordable lodging close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute 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 studio, with participants producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on 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 doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, 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 relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting 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 adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors 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 non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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