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Uncover a domain of novel talents alongside incredible places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys deliver a superb blend of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including complete beginners will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day session. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable accommodation nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. 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. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study 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 relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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