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Uncover a realm of new skills combined with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys offer a superb blend of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute beginners will quickly be climbing protected Peak District crags on this two-day session. Participants will master tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly lodging nearby, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests creating several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, 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

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be