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Discover a domain of fresh abilities paired with incredible destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures provide a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will rapidly be scaling protected regional crags on this weekend session. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, along with descending. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives 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 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 overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “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 Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, 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 woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be