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Uncover a world of novel talents combined with amazing destinations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Türkiye, these experiences provide an ideal mix of education and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Even absolute beginners will quickly be ascending sheltered regional outcrops on this two-day session. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, along with rappelling. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is significant personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with some gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation course, but there is a list of recommended, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a brief walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in southern Spain, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on structured activities en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a roof terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost includes five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for one week, 19-26 May.

Vegetarian Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then several 90-minute classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

This coastal town is the ideal location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – ten private accommodations are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Paphos

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