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Explore a world of novel talents paired with incredible places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences deliver the perfect mix of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even total newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this short course. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off 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, right up to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 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 final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing 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 learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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