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Discover a world of fresh abilities alongside incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures offer an ideal combination of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will soon be climbing protected regional rock faces on this two-day course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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