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Explore a domain of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys provide the perfect combination of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including absolute beginners will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this short session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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