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Explore a world of fresh abilities combined with amazing destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys offer an ideal combination of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including total beginners will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Artists 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 in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. 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 foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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