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Uncover a domain of novel talents combined with amazing locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these experiences offer the perfect mix of education and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will quickly be climbing protected regional outcrops on this weekend course. Participants will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a range of recommended, budget-friendly places to stay nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this creative getaway. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are split into groups according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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