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Explore a realm of novel talents combined with stunning destinations. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular adventures provide a superb mix of education and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even absolute novices will quickly be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend session. Attendees will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, as well as rappelling. Limited to six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a selection of suggested, affordable places to stay nearby, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a short stroll from the local train 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 midweek sessions throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. This event does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. All together now: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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