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Explore a world of novel talents combined with stunning locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys provide the perfect combination of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including complete novices will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional crags on this two-day session. Participants will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. This program is appropriate for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but you can find a range of recommended, budget-friendly lodging close by, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, along with weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic town in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will learn how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial sketches and paintings will then be worked on in the workspace, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee encompasses five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an excursion to the local castle and other points of interest.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine 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 nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 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 concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering sustainability: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be