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Discover a realm of fresh abilities combined with stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences provide an ideal combination of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total beginners will rapidly be scaling protected regional rock faces on this weekend session. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus descending. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including 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: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics 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 organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be