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Explore a world of novel talents paired with amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences deliver an ideal blend of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even total beginners will quickly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this short program. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

Cost: 248 pounds. Sessions on May 30th-31st and September 5th-6th.

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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