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Uncover a world of fresh abilities paired with amazing destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences provide an ideal combination of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even complete newcomers will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District outcrops on this short program. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in 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 White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, build 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 waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be