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Explore a world of fresh abilities paired with amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver an ideal mix of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute newcomers will quickly be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this short course. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with guests creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). 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 seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be