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Uncover a realm of fresh abilities combined with stunning destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys provide a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including complete newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional crags on this short program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with descending. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel 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 last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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