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Discover a realm of novel talents paired with amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences offer an ideal blend of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including absolute newcomers will soon be scaling protected Peak District rock faces on this short course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: From 900 euros for five days. Dates from March 20th, 8 May, September 11th and 13 November.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior 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 the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies 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. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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