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Discover a domain of fresh abilities combined with stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences offer the perfect blend of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute novices will soon be scaling protected Peak District crags on this short session. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip 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 a five-day retreat. Available from March 20th, May 8th, September 11th and November 13th.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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