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Discover a world of fresh abilities combined with incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide the perfect combination of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including complete novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend session. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants producing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

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, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be