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Discover a realm of novel talents paired with amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys offer the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even total newcomers will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; 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 the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot 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 last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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