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Discover a domain of novel talents paired with stunning places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular adventures provide a superb combination of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even absolute novices will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend session. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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