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Discover a world of new skills combined with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys provide the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total novices will soon be climbing protected regional crags on this weekend program. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a range of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. 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 two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end 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 surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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