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Discover a domain of novel talents paired with amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide the perfect blend of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total novices will quickly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this weekend session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but there is a range of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, 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 selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions 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 – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance 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 Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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