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Discover a realm of novel talents alongside stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver an ideal combination of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even complete novices will quickly be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day session. Attendees will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a list of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient town in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The fee encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: From 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Dates from 20 March, May 8th, September 11th and 13 November.

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

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 those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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