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Explore a world of new skills alongside stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including total beginners will soon be scaling protected Peak District rock faces on this short session. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. 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.

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover 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 habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: From 299 pounds. Dates on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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