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Discover a world of fresh abilities paired with incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day session. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with guests completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From £429. Available January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized 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 non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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