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Explore a realm of fresh abilities combined with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide the perfect combination of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including complete novices will quickly be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day program. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, 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 Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be