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Explore a realm of fresh abilities alongside incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences provide a superb combination of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District outcrops on this short program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly lodging nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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