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Discover a realm of novel talents alongside amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys offer a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including complete beginners will quickly be ascending sheltered regional crags on this two-day program. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, along with descending. With a maximum of six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only option, but there is a list of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, along with midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees completing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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