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Discover a realm of new skills alongside amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences provide an ideal blend of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including absolute beginners will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District outcrops on this short session. Attendees will learn tying in, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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