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Discover a realm of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures deliver the perfect combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total novices will rapidly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this two-day session. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies 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 improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be