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Explore a world of fresh abilities combined with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences offer a superb blend of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including absolute beginners will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this two-day course. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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