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Uncover a world of fresh abilities paired with incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences offer a superb combination of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day session. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, along with descending. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable accommodation close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

Cost: Starting at €900 for five days. Available from 20 March, 8 May, 11 September and 13 November.

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

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 aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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