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Discover a domain of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even complete newcomers will soon be scaling protected Peak District crags on this weekend program. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a range of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The cost covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

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 warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held 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 encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be