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Explore a realm of novel talents alongside incredible locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys deliver an ideal blend of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including absolute newcomers will soon be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this weekend session. Learners will learn tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, 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 an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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