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Discover a world of fresh abilities alongside amazing destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide an ideal blend of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total newcomers will quickly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day session. Learners will learn tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen 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 basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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