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Explore a domain of novel talents combined with incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these particular journeys offer a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even absolute novices will soon be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this weekend session. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and several climbing techniques, along with descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of recommended, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated 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.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert 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 Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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