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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities combined with incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures deliver a superb combination of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including complete newcomers will soon be climbing protected regional outcrops on this two-day program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with abseiling down. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but there is a range of suggested, affordable lodging close by, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants completing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village 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 take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn 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 closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be