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Discover a realm of novel talents combined with stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys provide the perfect mix of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even total newcomers will quickly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this two-day session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with descending. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but there is a selection of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests creating several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then several hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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