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Uncover a domain of fresh abilities alongside amazing places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures offer a superb mix of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even absolute beginners will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend session. Participants will learn tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a range of recommended, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The price includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome 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 seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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