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Discover a world of fresh abilities paired with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences deliver an ideal mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even total newcomers will soon be ascending protected regional outcrops on this two-day program. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre 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 November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: From 299 pounds. Weekends on July 18th-20th and 4-6 September.

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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