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Discover a domain of novel talents combined with amazing destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these experiences deliver a superb mix of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Including absolute beginners will quickly be climbing protected Peak District rock faces on this short course. Learners will master tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-residential course, but you can find a list of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus midweek sessions throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this creative getaway. Painters of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, based at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect setting for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: Starting at £429. Dates January 31st to February 3rd and October 31st to November 3rd.

Creative Writing in Greece

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 publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices 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 starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their steering, build their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package covers two nights' stay and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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