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Discover a realm of fresh abilities alongside amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences deliver a superb combination of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including absolute beginners will quickly be scaling protected regional crags on this short session. Learners will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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