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Discover a world of novel talents alongside stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular adventures deliver an ideal mix of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional crags on this weekend program. Learners will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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