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Uncover a world of new skills paired with incredible locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver the perfect blend of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even total novices will quickly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this two-day course. Learners will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but there is a list of recommended, affordable lodging close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ 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 non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The cost covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. 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: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, 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.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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