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Discover a domain of fresh abilities combined with stunning destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences deliver an ideal combination of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will soon be climbing protected regional rock faces on this weekend course. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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