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Explore a realm of novel talents combined with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide a superb blend of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including absolute beginners will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend program. Learners will master tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. This program is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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