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Discover a domain of novel talents combined with stunning locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures provide an ideal blend of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including complete beginners will rapidly be climbing protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts 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 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to plan and create abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests creating several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching various 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 completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught 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 holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of 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. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be