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Explore a realm of fresh abilities alongside stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys provide an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total novices will quickly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this two-day course. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend 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 visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at 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 rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be