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Uncover a world of novel talents alongside amazing places. From scaling cliffs in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these adventures provide a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend session. Learners will master tying in, belaying and a range of climbing techniques, plus descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is significant one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The training is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with a bit of indoor experience. This is a day-only course, but you can find a range of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for two days. Courses from 7 March to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, approximately a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will learn how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on tutorials en plein air. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with participants completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an central patio and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The fee encompasses five days of art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for seven nights, 19-26 May.

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the local market and a nearby winery to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a party-style group warmup, then three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend 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 try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is held in a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are provided, including a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the daily workshops on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (based on two sharing), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the life cycle of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. 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 day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be