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Uncover a domain of novel talents combined with incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver an ideal mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even complete newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus descending. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. The training is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests 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 spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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