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Uncover a domain of novel talents alongside incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences offer a superb combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even total novices will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District rock faces on this short program. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, along with descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees 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 including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

Cost: 248 pounds. Sessions 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 keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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