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Explore a realm of novel talents combined with amazing destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences offer an ideal blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even total novices will rapidly be ascending protected regional rock faces on this short session. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only option, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable places to stay close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The price includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). 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), 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 wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be