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Uncover a domain of novel talents alongside amazing destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these adventures provide an ideal mix of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including absolute novices will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this weekend session. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, along with descending. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a selection of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a ancient white village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the studio, with participants completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, set on a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help participants learn the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can hone their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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