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Explore a domain of novel talents paired with amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys provide an ideal blend of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Even absolute beginners will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but there is a selection of suggested, budget-friendly places to stay in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute workshops covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. 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 closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swim camp is a {be