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Uncover a world of novel talents alongside incredible locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these particular journeys provide the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Rock Climbing in the National Park

Even complete newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered Peak District rock faces on this short program. Learners will become proficient in securing the rope, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, along with rappelling. With a maximum of six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and personalised targets. The training is suitable for all individuals aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a range of recommended, affordable accommodation close by, featuring campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Andalucía

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will discover how to plan and create abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on structured activities en plein air. These sketches and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with guests producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is built around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost covers five days of art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other local sights.

Cost: Starting at 1,950 euros for seven nights, May 19th to 26th.

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to sample local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute workshops teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are divided into groups according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include accommodation but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the ideal location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a country house overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to submitting work to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in special sessions at the start and finish of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (based on two sharing), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the basics of apiary management, explore the biology of bees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Yachting for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

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 refresher. Participants can improve their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be