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Explore a world of novel talents combined with stunning locations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences provide a superb combination of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including absolute newcomers will quickly be scaling sheltered regional rock faces on this weekend program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, as well as abseiling down. With a maximum of six participants to each tutor, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. This program is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. 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 November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to plan and create non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price encompasses five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including plot, characters, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be