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Discover a domain of fresh abilities paired with stunning destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys provide a superb mix of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including absolute beginners will soon be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day course. Participants will master tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a range of recommended, affordable places to stay close by, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, 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: From £429. Dates 31 January-3 February and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be