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Discover a world of fresh abilities alongside incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences offer a superb mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even total newcomers will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but you can find a selection of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in 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 sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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