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Discover a world of novel talents paired with incredible places. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys provide the perfect combination of learning and escape.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Including total newcomers will soon be scaling sheltered regional crags on this short program. Attendees will learn securing the rope, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus abseiling down. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but you can find a selection of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation close by, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and pubs with rooms. The training centre is 10 minutes’ walk from the local train station, located on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: 199 pounds for the weekend. Weekends from 7 March to 8 November, plus weekday courses throughout the year.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

This historic hillside village, a picturesque white village in southern Spain, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring setting for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – including novices – will learn how to plan and create modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outdoors, working on tutorials out in nature. These initial sketches and watercolour studies will then be expanded upon in the studio, with attendees creating several abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. 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 fee includes five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an outing to the nearby fortress and additional points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched foodie getaway, located at a riverside villa in the inland Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a falafel-making workshop, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with free time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The accommodation, 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, 8 May, 11 September and 13 November.

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, inclusive three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a party-style warm-up session, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long jam to show off new moves. Participants are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are brand new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers 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 rail into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a country house with views of the bay. All meals are included, such as a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse conducts the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, character development, setting and suspense, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Beekeeping in Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a host of programs covering eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the fundamentals of apiary management, study the biology of bees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for wildlife, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Beginners in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for adult beginners starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Participants can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Sea Swimming in Cyprus

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be