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Uncover a domain of novel talents combined with stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in Britain to mosaic-making in Turkey, these adventures provide the perfect combination of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peak District

Including absolute novices will soon be climbing sheltered regional outcrops on this short program. Learners will become proficient in tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is plenty of personalized coaching and custom goals. The training is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with some gym climbing background. This is a day-only option, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable lodging in the vicinity, such as campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating location for this creative getaway. Participants of all abilities – including novices – will discover how to design and produce abstract artworks. Part of the schedule will be spent outside, working on tutorials in the open. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees completing a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. Participants has sole use of the venue, which is set around an central patio and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The price includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Plant-Based Culinary in Portugal

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, set on a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, along with free time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be voice exercises, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and suspense, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This weekend course will help attendees understand the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their ecological importance. 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 home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at adult beginners starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

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