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Discover a realm of novel talents paired with amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures deliver a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Including complete beginners will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this short course. Learners will master tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a list of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with participants producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from plot, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful 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 full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing 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 refresher. Participants can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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