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Discover a realm of fresh abilities combined with incredible locations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures offer the perfect combination of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even complete novices will soon be scaling protected Peak District rock faces on this two-day course. Attendees will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with participants producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa 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 hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be