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Explore a domain of fresh abilities alongside amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver the perfect blend of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including complete novices will quickly be ascending protected regional outcrops on this two-day course. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by 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 hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions 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 surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight 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' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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