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Explore a world of fresh abilities paired with stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures offer a superb blend of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including total newcomers will soon be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day program. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with descending. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but there is a range of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation close by, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. 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 Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals 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 woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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