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Explore a world of novel talents alongside amazing destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys offer the perfect combination of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Even absolute novices will quickly be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this two-day session. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with guests completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: From €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three 90-minute workshops covering various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners 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 learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be