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Explore a domain of fresh abilities paired with incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences offer an ideal blend of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even absolute newcomers will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional crags on this weekend session. Attendees will learn tying in, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, plus descending. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). 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), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be