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Discover a domain of fresh abilities combined with incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences offer a superb combination of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even absolute beginners will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District crags on this two-day session. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable places to stay close by, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be