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Discover a world of novel talents alongside stunning places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide a superb mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total novices will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this short session. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including 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 tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax 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, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, 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, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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