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Uncover a world of fresh abilities alongside incredible destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures deliver an ideal combination of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including complete novices will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting 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 novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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