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Discover a world of new skills combined with incredible locations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide the perfect blend of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even absolute newcomers will quickly be scaling protected Peak District crags on this weekend session. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging close by, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, plus midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating several 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 views over the hills. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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