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Explore a domain of novel talents alongside amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures offer a superb combination of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this weekend course. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable places to stay close by, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From £429. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be