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Explore a domain of fresh abilities paired with incredible destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences provide the perfect combination of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including absolute newcomers will soon be climbing protected regional outcrops on this two-day program. Learners will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but you can find a list of recommended, affordable places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal setting 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, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). 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 (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

Cost: 248 pounds. Sessions 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 skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be