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Uncover a realm of fresh abilities paired with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys deliver the perfect mix of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend course. Participants will master tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The fee encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located 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 selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

Cost: Starting at 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Available from 20 March, 8 May, September 11th and November 13th.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, 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 retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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