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Explore a domain of fresh abilities alongside amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences deliver an ideal blend of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even absolute beginners will quickly be climbing protected Peak District crags on this short session. Learners will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, plus descending. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a list of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

Cost: 248 pounds. Sessions 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 estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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