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Discover a world of novel talents combined with stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences deliver the perfect blend of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including complete beginners will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional crags on this two-day program. Attendees will master securing the rope, belaying and multiple methods of ascent, plus descending. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is a lot of personalized coaching and personalised targets. This program is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-accommodation option, but you can find a range of suggested, affordable accommodation in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The training centre is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, along with midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Spain

This historic hillside village, a historic town in southern Spain, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises en plein air. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the studio, with attendees producing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylics to be shown in the village. Participants has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost includes five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an outing to the local castle and additional local sights.

Cost: Starting at €1,950 for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Culinary in Portugal

This Mediterranean culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, 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 a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the infinity pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

This energetic camp is an uplifting, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three 90-minute classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. This event does not provide lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in St Ives

This coastal town is the perfect spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from plot, character development, locations and suspense, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to share). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of courses covering sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees learn the basics of apiary management, study the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress in the organization's carefully maintained forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Participants can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be