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Explore a domain of fresh abilities paired with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys offer the perfect combination of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total novices will quickly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this two-day course. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly lodging in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, plus weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees 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 spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend 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. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be