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Discover a world of novel talents combined with amazing locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver the perfect combination of education and escape.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including total novices will rapidly be ascending protected regional outcrops on this weekend program. Learners will learn securing the rope, belaying and several methods of ascent, as well as descending. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a list of suggested, budget-friendly lodging in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque white village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the deck or swim in the pool. The villa, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several 90-minute classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are included, including a Cornish cream tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help participants understand the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. 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: Starting at £299. Dates on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be