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Uncover a domain of novel talents combined with stunning destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver a superb blend of education and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even total beginners will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend session. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a selection of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll 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 November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun 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 points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location 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 final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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