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Explore a realm of novel talents alongside stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver an ideal combination of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day session. Participants will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with abseiling down. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but there is a range of recommended, affordable lodging close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard 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 wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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