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Uncover a realm of fresh abilities combined with incredible places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide an ideal blend of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including complete newcomers will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day program. Attendees will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus descending. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue 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, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be