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Discover a domain of fresh abilities combined with incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures offer the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including absolute newcomers will quickly be scaling protected Peak District crags on this two-day session. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion 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.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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