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Discover a world of fresh abilities paired with incredible places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys offer the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including total novices will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District outcrops on this short session. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is day-only option, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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