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Discover a realm of novel talents combined with incredible places. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures offer an ideal blend of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even total novices will quickly be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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