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Explore a domain of novel talents paired with amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide a superb blend of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even complete beginners will soon be scaling sheltered regional outcrops on this weekend program. Attendees will master tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting 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 vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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