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Discover a domain of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys provide the perfect blend of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even complete newcomers will soon be climbing protected regional rock faces on this short course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants completing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. 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. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for 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 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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