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Discover a world of novel talents alongside stunning places. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences offer the perfect mix of education and escape.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even total novices will rapidly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this weekend course. Participants will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, plus abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes 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 nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 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 programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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