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Discover a realm of novel talents alongside amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular experiences offer a superb combination of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will rapidly be scaling sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day course. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with descending. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential option, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging close by, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants 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 a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. 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 welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre'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 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

Cost: £248. Sessions on May 30th-31st 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 designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be