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Explore a realm of new skills alongside stunning places. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences deliver a superb combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even complete beginners will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day session. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with 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 breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Participants are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). 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 one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be