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Explore a domain of fresh abilities paired with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys deliver a superb combination of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including total novices will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this weekend session. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is day-only course, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday 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 welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be