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Discover a realm of fresh abilities combined with incredible destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures offer a superb blend of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including absolute novices will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this two-day session. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, along with descending. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop 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 group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties 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 holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be