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Discover a world of fresh abilities paired with incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys offer an ideal mix of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including complete novices will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day program. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts 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 Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, 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 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying 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 BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be