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Discover a world of novel talents alongside incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys provide the perfect mix of education and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including absolute novices will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day course. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with guests producing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion 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.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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