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Uncover a realm of fresh abilities alongside stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures offer an ideal combination of education and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even complete beginners will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a list of recommended, budget-friendly lodging nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and tension, 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 retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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