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Uncover a world of new skills combined with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures deliver a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even total beginners will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District crags on this weekend course. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with descending. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but you can find a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants completing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat 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 last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax 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 all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. 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 work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes 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 Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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