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Explore a realm of fresh abilities paired with amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide an ideal mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total novices will rapidly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this weekend session. Learners will master tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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