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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences offer the perfect mix of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including total novices will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this weekend course. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a list of recommended, affordable lodging close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests creating several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be