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Explore a domain of new skills combined with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys deliver the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even total newcomers will quickly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this weekend program. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is day-only option, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable lodging close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

Cost: From €900 for a five-day retreat. Dates from 20 March, May 8th, 11 September and 13 November.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, 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 during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be