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Uncover a realm of novel talents paired with stunning locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys offer an ideal combination of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including total novices will quickly be ascending protected Peak District outcrops on this weekend course. Attendees will learn tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, plus rappelling. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but there is a selection of recommended, affordable lodging close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – including novices – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylics to be shown in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The fee encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, then several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include accommodation 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 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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