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Uncover a world of novel talents paired with incredible destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys offer a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including absolute beginners will soon be scaling sheltered regional crags on this short session. Learners will become proficient in tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to a single guide, there is plenty of individual attention and tailored objectives. The course is open to anyone aged 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited gym climbing background. It is non-residential option, but you can find a selection of suggested, reasonably-priced accommodation nearby, featuring campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, which is on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a ancient hillside village in Andalucía, around a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Artists of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to conceive and execute non-representational pieces. Some time will be spent in the open air, working on structured activities out in nature. These initial sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with guests creating multiple interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an central patio and has a sun terrace with views over the hills. The price covers five days’ painting tuition; full board; and an trip to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, based at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of celebrated cooks. Guests will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, refine mid-morning meals such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as a rich mushroom stew and moussaka. There are visits to the village market and a nearby winery to taste Portuguese wines, along with free 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 glamping tents in the gardens.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an uplifting, welcoming weekend adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The format each day is a party-style group warmup, followed by three hour-and-a-half workshops teaching different street dance styles, then an 60-minute freestyle session to demonstrate those solos. Participants are split into levels according to skill level, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

Cost: £245 for the weekend; next course April 7th to 9th.

Maritime Singing Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the perfect location for a maritime music retreat. Guests will be taught historic sailing songs from a folk singer and vocal coach, and try their hand at composing original ones. The schedule includes voice exercises, breath control techniques, performance tips and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are provided, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, unfortunately, is not included. Everyone join in: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He covers topics including plot, characters, locations and tension, to submitting work to agents. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the start and finish of the retreat. The retreat is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the Lefka Ori – 10 private accommodations surround a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From 893 pounds per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This weekend introduction will help attendees get to grips with the basics of beekeeping, explore the life cycle of honeybees 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 carefully maintained forests, which are home to 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 pounds. Sessions on May 30th-31st and September 5th-6th.

Sailing for Beginners in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are aimed at novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their nautical skills and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and overnight packages, with accommodation in simple dorms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The location for this swimming holiday is a {be