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Uncover a realm of fresh abilities alongside incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures offer the perfect combination of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even absolute newcomers will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day program. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The course is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, along with midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. 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 holiday is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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