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Uncover a world of fresh abilities alongside amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences offer a superb blend of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even absolute beginners will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend program. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly lodging in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged 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), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes 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 July 18th-20th and September 4th-6th.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be