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Discover a realm of fresh abilities combined with stunning places. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences offer an ideal blend of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including complete novices will soon be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this weekend course. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but you can find a range of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. 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 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be