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Discover a realm of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide an ideal mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect 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 local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off 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 teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards 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 training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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