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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities alongside stunning locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences provide a superb blend of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this short session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream 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. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees 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 sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be