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Explore a world of fresh abilities alongside stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures provide a superb combination of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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