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Discover a realm of fresh abilities paired with amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences deliver the perfect blend of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will quickly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this two-day session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, budget-friendly lodging nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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