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Discover a world of fresh abilities combined with amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide the perfect combination of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even absolute novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Participants will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. 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 provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in 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 course will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build 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 waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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