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Explore a world of fresh abilities alongside incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures offer a superb blend of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will soon be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day course. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The fee covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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