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Discover a world of novel talents paired with incredible destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures offer an ideal blend of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even total newcomers will quickly be scaling protected regional outcrops on this short session. Participants will learn securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The fee includes five days of art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, 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 several hour-and-a-half workshops covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices 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 more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be