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Discover a domain of fresh abilities combined with incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences deliver the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even absolute beginners will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Learners will learn tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with free 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 grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations 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 farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be