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Explore a domain of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys offer a superb blend of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even complete novices will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this short session. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but there is a selection of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be