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Uncover a world of fresh abilities paired with incredible locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys provide an ideal combination of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional rock faces on this short course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus descending. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river 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, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be