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Discover a domain of novel talents combined with stunning places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences deliver an ideal mix of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including total beginners will rapidly be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this short program. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, as well as descending. With a maximum of six participants to a single guide, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will discover how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants completing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The price covers five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by 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 substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into groups based on 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 doesn’t include accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at 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 recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be