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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities paired with amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences provide the perfect combination of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even complete novices will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend course. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a list of suggested, affordable lodging nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

Cost: From €900 for five days. Dates from March 20th, 8 May, September 11th and November 13th.

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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