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Uncover a realm of novel talents alongside stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys provide an ideal mix of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including absolute newcomers will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend session. Participants will learn securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based 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 encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be