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Discover a realm of fresh abilities paired with incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver the perfect mix of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered regional crags on this weekend course. Learners will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests 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 such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees 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 sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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