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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities combined with incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures offer the perfect blend of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including complete novices will rapidly be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with descending. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of recommended, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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