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Discover a realm of fresh abilities alongside stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver the perfect mix of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including absolute novices will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day program. Learners will become proficient in tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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