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Discover a world of novel talents combined with incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including complete newcomers will quickly be scaling protected regional crags on this short program. Learners will master securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with guests completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The fee covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (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 get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential 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’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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