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Explore a realm of novel talents paired with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences provide a superb mix of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total beginners will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Learners will master tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient white village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be