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Explore a domain of novel talents alongside amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences provide an ideal mix of education and escape.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even total beginners will soon be climbing protected regional outcrops on this short program. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only course, but you can find a selection of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind 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 grounds.

Cost: Starting at 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Available from 20 March, May 8th, September 11th and November 13th.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: From 299 pounds. Weekends on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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