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Explore a world of novel talents alongside stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures deliver the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even complete novices will quickly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this two-day program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from 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 substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different 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 perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp 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 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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