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Uncover a realm of novel talents paired with amazing places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures provide an ideal combination of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will quickly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this weekend course. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other 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 riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses 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, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes 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 Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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