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Uncover a world of novel talents paired with incredible locations. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular experiences provide the perfect blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including absolute beginners will quickly be scaling protected regional crags on this short course. Participants will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants producing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be