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Explore a realm of fresh abilities paired with incredible destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences provide a superb combination of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including absolute beginners will rapidly be ascending protected regional outcrops on this weekend course. Learners will master tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees completing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study 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 forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be