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Explore a domain of fresh abilities combined with incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures provide an ideal mix of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will quickly be ascending protected regional rock faces on this short program. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The fee covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Available January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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