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Discover a world of novel talents combined with stunning destinations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys provide the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this short session. Attendees will master tying in, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly lodging nearby, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to 8 November, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with participants creating several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with free time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be