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Uncover a world of novel talents alongside stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys offer a superb blend of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including complete novices will soon be scaling protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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