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Explore a world of fresh abilities combined with amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences deliver the perfect combination of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even complete beginners will soon be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river 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 falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; 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 be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer 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 agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events 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 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be