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Discover a world of fresh abilities alongside amazing destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide an ideal mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including absolute beginners will soon be climbing protected regional rock faces on this weekend course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe 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. Dates on 30-31 May and 5-6 September.

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats 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 helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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