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Explore a world of novel talents combined with incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular adventures deliver the perfect mix of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will quickly be climbing sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend session. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of individual attention and custom goals. The training is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a range of recommended, reasonably-priced lodging close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

Cost: Starting at 900 euros for a five-day retreat. Available from 20 March, 8 May, 11 September and November 13th.

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 each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split 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 instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a traditional tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From £429. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched 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 skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be