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Explore a domain of novel talents paired with incredible destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these journeys offer an ideal mix of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even total newcomers will quickly be scaling sheltered regional rock faces on this short program. Attendees will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and several methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but there is a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to plan and create non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on structured activities in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to show off those solos. Dancers are split into groups based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From £429. Available January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, 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 pounds. Dates on May 30th-31st and 5-6 September.

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses 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 refresher. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be