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Discover a domain of novel talents paired with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys provide an ideal combination of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will soon be climbing protected Peak District crags on this two-day program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants completing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be