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Discover a domain of novel talents paired with amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver an ideal combination of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will quickly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this two-day program. Participants will learn tying in, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable lodging nearby, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus free 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, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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