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Uncover a domain of novel talents paired with incredible destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences deliver the perfect combination of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Even complete newcomers will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District crags on this two-day course. Participants will master securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Capped at six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a list of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with participants producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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