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Discover a world of fresh abilities alongside amazing places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys deliver a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including total beginners will quickly be climbing sheltered regional crags on this weekend session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly lodging nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants creating several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split 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 doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms 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 BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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