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Discover a domain of novel talents combined with amazing destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys deliver the perfect combination of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including complete novices will rapidly be ascending protected regional crags on this two-day program. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is day-only option, but you can find a selection of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee includes five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations 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 week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

Cost: Starting at 299 pounds. Dates on July 18th-20th and September 4th-6th.

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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