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Explore a world of novel talents combined with stunning destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys deliver a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including absolute newcomers will quickly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this short program. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus descending. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is significant personalized coaching and custom goals. The course is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants creating a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners 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 fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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