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Explore a domain of novel talents combined with incredible places. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these journeys deliver a superb mix of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including complete novices will rapidly be ascending sheltered Peak District rock faces on this two-day session. Learners will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and multiple climbing techniques, as well as rappelling. With a maximum of a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is a brief walk from the local train station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient town in southern Spain, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking setting for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including novices – will learn how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with guests completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the central Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a local vineyard to sample local vintages, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, inclusive weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several 90-minute classes covering various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to street dance, all the way to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; next course April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the excellent location for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is held in a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the beginning and end 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 (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help participants understand the basics of beekeeping, explore the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized 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 packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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