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Discover a world of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys offer an ideal combination of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including total novices will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District rock faces on this two-day course. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but there is a list of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring 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 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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