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Discover a domain of novel talents paired with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys deliver a superb blend of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Even complete newcomers will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this weekend course. Learners will learn tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with descending. Capped at a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee covers five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches 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 October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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