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Discover a realm of novel talents alongside stunning locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences deliver the perfect mix of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including absolute newcomers will rapidly be climbing protected regional rock faces on this weekend session. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only option, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, plus weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Available January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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