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Discover a domain of fresh abilities alongside stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys offer the perfect combination of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even total beginners will quickly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this short course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance 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 group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. 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 London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand 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 overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday 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 (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

Cost: £248. Dates on 30-31 May and 5-6 September.

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three 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 provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be