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Discover a domain of fresh abilities combined with stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences provide a superb blend of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including absolute newcomers will quickly be scaling sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day course. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: From €900 for five days. Dates from 20 March, 8 May, September 11th and 13 November.

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups 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. This event does not provide 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 for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From £429. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. 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 foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be