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Uncover a world of fresh abilities alongside amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys offer a superb blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete beginners will quickly be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day course. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates 31 January-3 February and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based 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 (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be