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Uncover a realm of new skills combined with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide the perfect combination of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will quickly be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend course. Learners will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with descending. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but there is a list of recommended, affordable lodging close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels according to skill level, 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 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 three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing 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 starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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