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Explore a domain of novel talents alongside stunning locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys offer the perfect combination of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even complete novices will quickly be scaling protected regional crags on this weekend session. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six learners to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp 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 jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be