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Discover a world of fresh abilities combined with incredible destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures offer the perfect mix of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete novices will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this two-day program. Learners will become proficient in tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho 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: Starting at 900 euros for five days. Dates from March 20th, May 8th, 11 September and November 13th.

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. 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 central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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