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Uncover a world of novel talents combined with incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide the perfect blend of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even absolute beginners will quickly be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this short program. Participants will learn securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with descending. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly lodging in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, and midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging 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 Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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