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Discover a domain of fresh abilities paired with stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures deliver the perfect blend of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even complete newcomers will soon be scaling sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day course. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on 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 meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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