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Explore a domain of fresh abilities combined with amazing destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences deliver the perfect blend of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including absolute beginners will soon be climbing protected Peak District outcrops on this short course. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a range of recommended, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests 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, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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