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Uncover a domain of novel talents paired with amazing locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys offer an ideal combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including complete novices will quickly be climbing protected regional rock faces on this weekend course. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. 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 there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of the bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be