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Uncover a world of fresh abilities paired with stunning destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver a superb combination of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even absolute beginners will quickly be ascending protected regional outcrops on this weekend course. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine 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 nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based 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 welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover 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 woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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