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Explore a domain of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide a superb mix of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total novices will quickly be scaling protected Peak District crags on this short program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable places to stay close by, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees 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 carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be