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Uncover a realm of fresh abilities paired with amazing places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences offer the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even absolute newcomers will quickly be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short course. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is day-only option, but you can find a range of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip 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 March 20th, 8 May, 11 September and 13 November.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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