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Discover a realm of novel talents paired with amazing places. Starting with rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences provide an ideal mix of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute newcomers will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District crags on this two-day session. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-residential course, but there is a list of recommended, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from March 7th to 8 November, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course 7-9 April.

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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