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Discover a domain of fresh abilities combined with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide a superb blend of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including total beginners will soon be climbing protected regional rock faces on this two-day program. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with abseiling down. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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