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Uncover a realm of novel talents combined with amazing locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys deliver the perfect combination of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even absolute beginners will quickly be scaling sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day program. Attendees will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, as well as descending. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential course, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation close by, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating setting for this art retreat. Artists of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with guests producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is built around an central patio and has a roof terrace with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days of art instruction; full board; and an trip to the local castle and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, plus leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is held in a country house with views of St Ives Bay. Full board are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: From 429 pounds. Available 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor conducts the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's carefully maintained woodlands, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be