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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities paired with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures provide an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including total beginners will quickly be ascending sheltered regional crags on this weekend course. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

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 covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train 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 sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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