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Uncover a world of fresh abilities alongside incredible locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences offer the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including complete newcomers will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day session. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training 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 day-only course, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ 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 November 8th, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The price covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be