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Discover a world of novel talents paired with incredible locations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these adventures deliver the perfect combination of learning and holiday.

Rock Climbing in the Peak District

Including absolute novices will soon be ascending sheltered Peak District outcrops on this weekend session. Learners will master tying in, safety techniques and multiple methods of ascent, plus descending. With a maximum of six learners to a single guide, there is a lot of personalized coaching and tailored objectives. The course is appropriate for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is day-only course, but you can find a range of suggested, budget-friendly accommodation close by, such as campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Abstract Painting in Spain

Moclín, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Artists of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to conceive and execute modern art. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on guided exercises out in nature. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with participants completing multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the hotel, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The cost encompasses five days of painting tuition; all meals; and an excursion to the local castle and other local sights.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean foodie getaway, based at a villa by the river in the inland Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will learn to produce meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are trips to the village market and a local vineyard to taste local vintages, plus leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the deck or swim in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, plus safari tents in the grounds.

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

Street Dance in Buckinghamshire

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 group warmup, then several hour-and-a-half classes teaching various urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are divided into groups based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are brand new to popping and locking, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of places to stay within walking distance, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal setting for a sea shanty weekend. Guests will be taught traditional shanties from a folk singer and vocal coach, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be 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 provided, such as a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

Cost: From £429. Dates 31 January-3 February and October 31st to November 3rd.

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor an experienced instructor runs the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from story structure, character development, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten 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 musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Introduction to Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of programs on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This weekend course will help participants understand the basics of apiary management, study the life cycle of bees and discover their ecological importance. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the organization'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 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Participants can improve their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option provides lunches, while the overnight option covers two nights' stay and all meals, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swim camp is a {be