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Discover a realm of fresh abilities alongside amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide the perfect mix of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even total beginners will quickly be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day program. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a range of suggested, budget-friendly lodging in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), 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 creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone 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 overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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