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Discover a realm of fresh abilities paired with stunning places. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys deliver the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will rapidly be ascending protected regional outcrops on this short program. Learners will master securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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