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Explore a realm of fresh abilities paired with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures offer a superb combination of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even absolute novices will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this weekend program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable places to stay close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants completing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be