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Explore a domain of novel talents combined with stunning places. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide a superb blend of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even absolute newcomers will soon be ascending protected regional rock faces on this two-day session. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long 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 brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From £429. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards 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 waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: From £299. Dates on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be