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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys offer a superb blend of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even absolute beginners will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly lodging close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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