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Discover a world of fresh abilities alongside amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys provide the perfect combination of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete beginners will soon be ascending protected regional crags on this short session. Learners will master securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide 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; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting 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 retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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