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Uncover a domain of novel talents alongside amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences provide the perfect mix of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including total beginners will soon be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this short course. Learners will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a list of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

Cost: Starting at €900 for five days. Dates from March 20th, May 8th, September 11th and November 13th.

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes 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. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

Cost: 248 pounds. Dates 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 keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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