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Explore a domain of novel talents combined with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences deliver an ideal blend of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including absolute beginners will soon be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this short course. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, along with descending. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but there is a range of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping 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 weekend course will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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