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Uncover a realm of novel talents combined with amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences offer a superb combination of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even complete beginners will quickly be scaling protected Peak District rock faces on this two-day session. Participants will master tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful 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 uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option 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 pounds. Weekends on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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