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Discover a realm of fresh abilities alongside stunning locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences offer a superb blend of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including complete newcomers will rapidly be scaling protected regional rock faces on this weekend course. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable lodging nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, and midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters 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 structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices 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 adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be