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Discover a world of fresh abilities paired with stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences provide a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even absolute newcomers will quickly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this two-day program. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention 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 day-only course, but there is a range of recommended, affordable lodging in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. 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 fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

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 master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events 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 – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be