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Explore a world of fresh abilities paired with amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys offer an ideal mix of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including total novices will quickly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this short course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, along with abseiling down. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a range of recommended, affordable lodging close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from 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 including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

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 warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, 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 included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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