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Discover a realm of fresh abilities combined with incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures deliver the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including complete newcomers will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District crags on this two-day session. Attendees will master tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but you can find a selection of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers 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 London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. 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 Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched 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. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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