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Uncover a world of fresh abilities alongside incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures deliver a superb combination of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even complete beginners will rapidly be climbing protected regional rock faces on this two-day session. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a range of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms 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 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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