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Explore a world of novel talents alongside amazing locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys offer the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including total novices will soon be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable places to stay close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. 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 lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the week. 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 encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay 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 Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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