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Uncover a world of fresh abilities combined with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys offer the perfect combination of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even absolute beginners will soon be scaling protected Peak District crags on this weekend session. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. This program is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a range of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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 Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine 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 hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, 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 based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be