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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities combined with incredible destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences provide an ideal combination of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including total novices will rapidly be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day session. Learners will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a list of recommended, affordable lodging nearby, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time 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 participants producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent 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 closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be