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Discover a realm of novel talents alongside incredible locations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences provide the perfect combination of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including complete novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District crags on this weekend course. Learners will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly lodging close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals 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 taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work 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 White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be