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Discover a domain of fresh abilities combined with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even complete beginners will quickly be ascending protected regional crags on this short session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a list of suggested, affordable places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days of art instruction; all meals; 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 culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by 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 hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at €900 for five days. Available from 20 March, 8 May, 11 September and 13 November.

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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