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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities paired with incredible destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures deliver a superb mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete beginners will soon be scaling protected regional rock faces on this short course. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include 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 three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. 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, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront 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 BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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