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Discover a world of fresh abilities combined with incredible locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys deliver an ideal combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even total novices will quickly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day course. Attendees will learn tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a range of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in 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 local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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