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Discover a domain of novel talents combined with stunning places. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys provide a superb blend of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including absolute newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day course. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six participants to a single guide, there is plenty of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. This program is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this painting holiday. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials in the open. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees producing several abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, 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 based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes 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 4-6 September.

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be