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Explore a realm of novel talents combined with stunning places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures deliver an ideal combination of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including total newcomers will quickly be scaling sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day session. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, along with descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-residential course, but you can find a list of recommended, affordable lodging close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to design and produce abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees producing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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