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Explore a realm of fresh abilities combined with stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys deliver an ideal mix of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even complete beginners will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day session. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but you can find a list of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with participants completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, 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 completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be