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Uncover a realm of novel talents combined with incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide a superb mix of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including complete newcomers will rapidly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this short course. Learners will master tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as descending. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of recommended, affordable lodging nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Participants are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From £429. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be