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Discover a world of novel talents alongside amazing places. From rock climbing in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these particular journeys deliver an ideal mix of education and vacation.

Cliff Scaling in the Peaks

Including total newcomers will quickly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this weekend course. Learners will master securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Limited to a half-dozen students to each tutor, there is a lot of one-on-one guidance and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation course, but there is a list of recommended, budget-friendly accommodation nearby, including campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, situated on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Courses from 7 March to 8 November, and midweek sessions throughout the year.

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque town in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. A portion of the time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees completing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. Participants has exclusive access of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will learn to produce meze spreads, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains like spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with leisure 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, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Participants are divided into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into London.

Cost: 245 pounds for the weekend; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

This coastal town is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The retreat is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

Cost: Starting at 429 pounds. Dates 31 January-3 February and 31 October-3 November.

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor an experienced instructor leads the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, characters, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host 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 – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a central garden with a pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend course will help attendees get to grips with the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the life cycle of honeybees and learn about their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to relax in the centre's carefully maintained forests, which are home to wildlife, otters, dormice, bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched weekend sailing courses are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for adult beginners learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, build their seamanship and aim for the recognized certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and residential options, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside training centre. The day option includes packed lunches, while the residential package covers two nights’ accommodation and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

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