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Explore a world of fresh abilities alongside amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys deliver a superb blend of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even complete novices will quickly be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as descending. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only option, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The price includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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