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Explore a world of novel talents alongside amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures offer an ideal mix of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete newcomers will rapidly be scaling protected Peak District crags on this short course. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, along with rappelling. Capped at six learners to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. This program is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation in the vicinity, including campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient white village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute abstract artworks. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises in the open. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Cooking in Portugal

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, combined with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day 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 split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. This event doesn’t include accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of apiary management, explore the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be