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Discover a realm of fresh abilities alongside incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences offer a superb combination of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will quickly be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Learners will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. 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-accommodation course, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

Cost: From 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Available from March 20th, May 8th, 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 daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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