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Explore a realm of novel talents combined with incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide a superb combination of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including absolute novices will rapidly be ascending protected regional rock faces on this two-day session. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of six learners to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be