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Discover a realm of fresh abilities combined with incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences provide a superb combination of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including absolute beginners will rapidly be scaling sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend course. Learners will master tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

Cost: Starting at 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Available from 20 March, 8 May, September 11th and 13 November.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Available January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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