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Uncover a domain of novel talents alongside amazing destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys provide an ideal mix of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including absolute beginners will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District rock faces on this short course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a range of suggested, affordable lodging nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees creating several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen 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 basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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