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Explore a domain of novel talents combined with stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys provide a superb mix of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including total beginners will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this weekend course. Attendees will learn tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Limited to six learners to a single guide, 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 first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests producing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The cost covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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