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Discover a domain of fresh abilities combined with incredible locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide the perfect blend of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even complete beginners will rapidly be scaling protected regional rock faces on this weekend course. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for 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.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be