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Discover a realm of fresh abilities combined with amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide an ideal mix of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including complete beginners will soon be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this weekend program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a list of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay 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 St Ives

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From £429. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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