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Explore a realm of novel talents alongside incredible places. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures deliver a superb combination of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even complete newcomers will soon be climbing protected Peak District outcrops on this weekend program. Participants will master tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable lodging nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers 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 London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront 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: From £299. Dates on 18-20 July and September 4th-6th.

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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