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Uncover a realm of novel talents paired with incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures offer an ideal mix of learning and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including complete beginners will rapidly be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this short course. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals 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 local vintages, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, 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 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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