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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities paired with amazing destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular adventures deliver an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including total beginners will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short course. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught 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 sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect 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 sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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