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Uncover a domain of novel talents paired with amazing places. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences deliver the perfect blend of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even absolute beginners will soon be scaling sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend session. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The course is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a brief 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, plus weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid 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 weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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