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Discover a world of novel talents paired with amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences offer a superb combination of education and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total newcomers will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District crags on this short course. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus descending. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but you can find a list of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base 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 March 7th to 8 November, and midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation 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 Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be