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Explore a world of fresh abilities combined with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys offer the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including absolute newcomers will quickly be ascending protected Peak District crags on this weekend program. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The course is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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