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Explore a domain of novel talents alongside incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys deliver a superb blend of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend session. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a list of recommended, affordable places to stay nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a short stroll 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 8 November, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are split 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 teachers. This event doesn’t include 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 the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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