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Uncover a realm of novel talents paired with amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences provide the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered regional crags on this weekend program. Participants will learn tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip 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 sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with 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 runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty 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

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be