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Uncover a world of fresh abilities alongside amazing destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures offer the perfect mix of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including complete newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional crags on this two-day program. Participants will learn securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a range of recommended, affordable lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping 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 uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be