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Explore a realm of novel talents combined with incredible places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular adventures provide a superb mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will rapidly be climbing sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. 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, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be