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Uncover a realm of fresh abilities alongside amazing locations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide a superb blend of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even total novices will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this short course. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a range of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work 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 traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid 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 course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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