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Uncover a world of fresh abilities combined with incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences provide the perfect blend of education and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even complete novices will quickly be ascending sheltered regional crags on this two-day session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax 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 euros for a five-day retreat. Available from 20 March, May 8th, 11 September and 13 November.

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be