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Explore a realm of fresh abilities alongside amazing destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures offer an ideal combination of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will quickly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this weekend session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk 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, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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