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Discover a domain of fresh abilities combined with incredible places. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver an ideal combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including complete novices will quickly be climbing protected regional crags on this two-day program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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