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Explore a world of fresh abilities alongside stunning destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys deliver the perfect combination of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this short program. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation 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 for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the 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. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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