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Discover a domain of new skills paired with incredible places. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences offer the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including complete newcomers will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day course. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but you can find a list of recommended, affordable lodging close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. 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 hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be