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Discover a realm of fresh abilities paired with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences provide the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will quickly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this short program. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, plus descending. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable lodging in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, plus midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: From €900 for a five-day retreat. Dates from 20 March, 8 May, 11 September and 13 November.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship 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 sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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