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Discover a world of fresh abilities paired with stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures provide the perfect blend of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even complete novices will soon be climbing protected Peak District outcrops on this short course. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. 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, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

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 weekend introduction will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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