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Explore a world of fresh abilities paired with incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys provide the perfect combination of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even complete novices will quickly be scaling protected Peak District crags on this short course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is a lot 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 gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but you can find a list of recommended, affordable lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants 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 cost covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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