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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities paired with incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide the perfect mix of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even complete beginners will quickly be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this short program. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, plus rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only option, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests creating several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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