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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities alongside stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences provide an ideal blend of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even absolute beginners will rapidly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this short program. Attendees will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. This program is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided 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. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be