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Explore a domain of fresh abilities alongside amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences deliver the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even total novices will quickly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day program. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only option, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, 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 nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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