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Explore a domain of novel talents paired with amazing destinations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures deliver the perfect combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including complete beginners will rapidly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this short session. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, 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 the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s 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 packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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