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Uncover a world of novel talents alongside stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys deliver a superb mix of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including absolute novices will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day session. Learners will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and custom goals. This program is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of recommended, budget-friendly lodging nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs 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 final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

Cost: £248. Sessions on May 30th-31st and September 5th-6th.

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be