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Explore a realm of fresh abilities paired with amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures provide the perfect blend of education and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day program. Learners will learn tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, along with descending. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, 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 May 30th-31st and September 5th-6th.

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: Starting at £299. Weekends 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