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Explore a world of novel talents combined with stunning locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences deliver the perfect combination of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even absolute newcomers will quickly be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Learners will become proficient in tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is day-only option, but there is a list of suggested, budget-friendly lodging close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The price covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host 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 are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, 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 (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be