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Discover a world of fresh abilities paired with stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures offer an ideal blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day program. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus descending. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like 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 strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “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 Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts 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 based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends 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 refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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