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Explore a realm of new skills alongside incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences provide an ideal combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even total beginners will soon be climbing protected regional rock faces on this weekend course. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: From 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Dates from March 20th, 8 May, September 11th 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 format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split 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 instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location 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 vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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