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Discover a world of new skills paired with stunning locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures provide an ideal combination of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even complete beginners will quickly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this two-day session. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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