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Uncover a domain of new skills combined with amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures deliver an ideal blend of education and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute novices will quickly be scaling protected Peak District rock faces on this two-day program. Learners will learn tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with participants producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, 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 substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. 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 Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours 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 seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be