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Uncover a realm of fresh abilities paired with stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide an ideal mix of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including total novices will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this short session. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, along with descending. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to plan and create modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay 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.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants 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 closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be