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Discover a world of fresh abilities combined with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures offer the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including complete novices will quickly be ascending protected regional outcrops on this two-day session. Attendees will master tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus descending. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: From £299. Weekends on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be