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Explore a domain of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys offer the perfect mix of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short program. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby 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 euros for five days. Dates from 20 March, 8 May, September 11th and 13 November.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, 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 pounds. Dates on May 30th-31st and 5-6 September.

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses 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 refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be