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Uncover a realm of fresh abilities combined with amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures offer an ideal blend of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even complete beginners will soon be climbing protected Peak District outcrops on this short program. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Participants 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 teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate 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.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be