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Discover a world of fresh abilities combined with stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys offer the perfect combination of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including absolute newcomers will soon be scaling sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day session. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, along with descending. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only course, but you can find a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim 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 March 20th, May 8th, September 11th and November 13th.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners 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 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors 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 day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be