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Uncover a world of fresh abilities alongside incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys provide the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will quickly be ascending sheltered regional crags on this two-day course. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting and tension, 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 retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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