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Explore a domain of novel talents alongside stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide the perfect combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total novices will quickly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this two-day session. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Capped at a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a list of recommended, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants 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 includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging 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; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Available 31 January-3 February and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: From 299 pounds. Weekends on July 18th-20th and 4-6 September.

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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