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Discover a world of novel talents combined with incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular experiences provide an ideal combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including total newcomers will soon be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this short program. Attendees will master tying in, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable lodging nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, plus weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be expanded upon in the studio, with participants completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost covers five days of painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into groups according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads 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 bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be