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Discover a realm of novel talents combined with amazing places. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences deliver the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total novices will quickly be climbing protected regional rock faces on this two-day course. Attendees will learn tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Capped at a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a range of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine 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 like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

Cost: From €900 for a five-day retreat. Available from March 20th, 8 May, 11 September and 13 November.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be