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Discover a realm of fresh abilities combined with incredible destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including absolute newcomers will quickly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this weekend course. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic town in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting 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 held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be