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Uncover a domain of novel talents alongside amazing places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys offer a superb combination of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total beginners will soon be scaling protected regional outcrops on this short program. Learners will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. It is day-only option, but there is a range of suggested, affordable lodging nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From £429. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be