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Explore a domain of novel talents combined with amazing destinations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide a superb blend of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even absolute novices will quickly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this short course. Learners will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees 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 spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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