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Uncover a world of novel talents paired with amazing places. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures offer a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including complete beginners will rapidly be scaling sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend program. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is significant individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is suitable for all individuals over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, and weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this creative getaway. Artists of all abilities – even novices – will discover how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on guided exercises in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with guests completing several interpretive scenes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the hills. The cost encompasses five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in Portugal

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect 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 several places to stay nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. All together now: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, characters, locations and suspense, to submitting work 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 village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe 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.

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. 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 recognized certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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