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Explore a domain of novel talents combined with stunning locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys provide a superb mix of learning and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including total novices will soon be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this two-day session. Learners will master securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to six learners to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is appropriate for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but there is a selection of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a short stroll from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a historic white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests completing several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes of renowned chefs. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups according to ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into central London.

Cost: 245 pounds for three days; upcoming session 7-9 April.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He covers everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end 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 central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: From £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help attendees understand the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their nautical skills and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterside training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

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