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Uncover a domain of new skills paired with incredible destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys provide a superb combination of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even complete beginners will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this weekend session. Learners will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but there is a selection of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event 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 central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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