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Discover a domain of fresh abilities combined with incredible destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures deliver the perfect blend of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including complete novices will quickly be scaling sheltered regional outcrops on this short program. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with descending. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a range of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go 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 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be