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Explore a domain of novel talents paired with incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences provide the perfect mix of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even total beginners will quickly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this two-day session. Participants will learn tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at €900 for five days. Available from 20 March, May 8th, 11 September and November 13th.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. 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 (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore 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 de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses 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 hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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