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Explore a world of fresh abilities combined with incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys provide an ideal mix of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total beginners will soon be ascending protected Peak District rock faces on this weekend session. Participants will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. 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 studio, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be