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Uncover a world of fresh abilities paired with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences offer a superb mix of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total beginners will quickly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this short program. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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