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Discover a realm of fresh abilities paired with stunning locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys deliver a superb combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including complete novices will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional rock faces on this short session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is day-only course, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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