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Explore a domain of fresh abilities combined with amazing destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys deliver a superb combination of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including complete beginners will soon be scaling protected regional outcrops on this two-day program. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session 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 experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, 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. Available January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be