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Explore a world of fresh abilities paired with incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences deliver the perfect blend of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even complete beginners will quickly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this weekend program. Participants will master tying in, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, along with descending. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be