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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities combined with incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences deliver an ideal blend of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend course. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable places to stay close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. 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 residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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