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Discover a domain of fresh abilities paired with incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences offer an ideal mix of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including complete novices will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this short session. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen 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 waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be