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Uncover a realm of fresh abilities combined with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys offer the perfect combination of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including absolute novices will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day course. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

Cost: From €900 for a five-day retreat. Available from 20 March, May 8th, September 11th and 13 November.

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be