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Uncover a world of fresh abilities alongside stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys provide an ideal combination of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total novices will rapidly be climbing protected regional crags on this two-day course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe 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 May 30th-31st and 5-6 September.

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be