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Explore a realm of novel talents alongside stunning locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide a superb mix of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including total newcomers will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day program. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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