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Uncover a world of fresh abilities combined with incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys provide an ideal blend of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even total newcomers will soon be scaling protected regional crags on this two-day program. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, 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 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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