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Discover a realm of fresh abilities alongside amazing places. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures offer a superb mix of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will rapidly be ascending protected regional rock faces on this short session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: From £299. Weekends on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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