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Discover a realm of fresh abilities alongside stunning places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver a superb combination of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including absolute newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day program. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, and weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus free 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, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels 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 teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a 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), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers 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 hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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