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Uncover a world of fresh abilities combined with amazing destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures offer an ideal mix of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total beginners will rapidly be scaling protected regional rock faces on this two-day course. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but you can find a range of recommended, budget-friendly lodging in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From £429. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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