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Explore a domain of fresh abilities combined with stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide an ideal blend of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including total novices will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day program. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be