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Discover a domain of fresh abilities alongside amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences provide an ideal mix of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even absolute beginners will soon be climbing protected regional rock faces on this short program. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a range of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up 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 rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be