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Explore a domain of novel talents paired with amazing locations. From rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys provide the perfect mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the National Park

Even absolute newcomers will rapidly be climbing sheltered regional crags on this two-day course. Participants will learn tying in, safety techniques and a range of methods of ascent, plus descending. Limited to six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and custom goals. The training is open to all individuals over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-accommodation option, but there is a range of suggested, affordable places to stay close by, featuring campgrounds, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The base is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from March 7th to November 8th, along with weekday courses most months.

Non-Representational Art in Andalucía

This historic hillside village, a picturesque hillside village in Andalucía, about 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this art retreat. Painters of every skill level – including beginners – will discover how to plan and create modern art. A portion of the time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These initial charcoal drawings and paintings will then be expanded upon in the workspace, with attendees creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. 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 price covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

Cost: From 1,950 euros for one week, May 19th to 26th.

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a villa by the river in the central Algarve, is inspired by the vegetarian dishes 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 including a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. The schedule includes trips to the local market and a local vineyard to taste Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for walks by the nearby river, to relax on the terrace or swim in the infinity pool. The villa, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in Buckinghamshire

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule each day is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching various street dance styles, then an hour-long jam to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels based on skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event doesn’t include lodging but there are a number of hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is 23-35 minutes by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for three days; upcoming session April 7th to 9th.

Sea Shanty Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel overlooking the bay. Full board are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, breakfast options, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the tipsy mariner …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Author and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores topics including plot, character development, locations and suspense, to sending manuscripts to agents. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the Lefka Ori – 10 one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, aspiring writers celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a final meal.

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

Beginners' Apiculture in Mid Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from creating habitats to making pallet furniture. This two-day introduction will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, explore the biology of honeybees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to relax in the organization's sustainably managed woodlands, which are habitat for polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Beginners in Essex

These recently launched summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and Dufours on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their helming, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterfront training centre. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from full English breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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