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Explore a realm of fresh abilities alongside incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys provide an ideal combination of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even absolute beginners will quickly be scaling protected regional rock faces on this short course. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre 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. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at €900 for a five-day retreat. Available from March 20th, 8 May, 11 September and 13 November.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 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 making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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