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Explore a domain of fresh abilities alongside incredible destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide an ideal mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will quickly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this short program. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable accommodation close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are 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 deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at 900 euros for five days. Available from March 20th, 8 May, September 11th and 13 November.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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