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Uncover a realm of fresh abilities paired with incredible destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences deliver the perfect combination of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including total novices will rapidly be ascending protected regional crags on this short program. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly lodging nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, 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 workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation 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 three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. 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 encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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