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Discover a realm of novel talents combined with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular experiences offer the perfect combination of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including absolute beginners will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day course. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, along with descending. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a selection of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. 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 basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be