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Uncover a world of fresh abilities alongside amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences offer a superb blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even absolute beginners will soon be scaling protected regional rock faces on this short session. Attendees will learn tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre 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 November 8th, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners 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), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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