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Uncover a world of fresh abilities alongside stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures deliver a superb blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete beginners will soon be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Participants will learn tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on 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 life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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