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Discover a world of fresh abilities alongside amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide an ideal combination of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including complete newcomers will quickly be ascending protected regional outcrops on this two-day course. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable places to stay close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then three 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging 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 the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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