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Explore a domain of fresh abilities combined with stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures deliver an ideal blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including absolute novices will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day session. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but there is a list of suggested, affordable accommodation close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on 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 centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days of art instruction; all meals; 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 foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From £429. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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