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Discover a world of fresh abilities paired with incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys offer a superb blend of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even absolute beginners will quickly be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this short course. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests creating several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of 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 Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds 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 host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: Starting at 299 pounds. Weekends on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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