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Explore a domain of novel talents combined with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures deliver a superb combination of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even complete novices will soon be climbing protected Peak District crags on this weekend session. Learners will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. The training is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a list of suggested, budget-friendly lodging close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers 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 advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors 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 day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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