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Explore a world of fresh abilities alongside incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide an ideal mix of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including complete novices will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day session. Learners will master securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable accommodation nearby, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to 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 several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses 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 steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: Starting at £299. Weekends on July 18th-20th and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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