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Discover a domain of fresh abilities paired with incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys deliver a superb combination of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even complete novices will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Learners will become proficient in tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as descending. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a range of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

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 refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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