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Uncover a realm of novel talents alongside incredible locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences offer an ideal combination of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this two-day course. Learners will become proficient in tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at six participants to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in 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 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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