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Discover a realm of fresh abilities paired with incredible locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys deliver the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even absolute newcomers will quickly be ascending protected Peak District rock faces on this weekend course. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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