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Discover a world of fresh abilities paired with incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences deliver the perfect blend of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute newcomers will soon be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this short program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as descending. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. 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 fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, 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 visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be