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Uncover a world of fresh abilities paired with incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures provide a superb blend of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will soon be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this short course. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about 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 non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events 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 – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours 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 hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: From £299. Weekends on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be