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Discover a world of novel talents paired with stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver a superb combination of learning and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even total beginners will soon be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this weekend program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a historic white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips 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 deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop 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 high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses 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 skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be