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Discover a domain of fresh abilities alongside incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences provide the perfect mix of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even complete beginners will quickly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day program. Attendees will master tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants producing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in 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, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre'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 all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be