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Uncover a world of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures offer the perfect combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend course. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

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, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be