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Discover a realm of novel talents paired with incredible locations. From rock climbing in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these journeys provide an ideal mix of learning and vacation.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Including complete beginners will quickly be scaling protected regional crags on this weekend session. Learners will become proficient in tying in, belaying and a range of methods of ascent, as well as descending. Limited to six participants to each tutor, there is plenty of one-on-one guidance and custom goals. The training is suitable for anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from absolute beginners to those with a bit of gym climbing background. This is a day-only course, but you can find a range of recommended, affordable lodging in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The venue is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, situated on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for two days. Weekends from 7 March to November 8th, plus midweek sessions most months.

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic town in southern Spain, about a short drive from Granada, is the inspiring location for this art retreat. Participants of all abilities – even beginners – will be taught how to design and produce abstract artworks. Some time will be spent outside, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and paintings will then be worked on in the studio, with participants producing several interpretive scenes in acrylic paint to be shown in the local community. The group has sole use of the venue, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the hills. The fee covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Cooking in the Algarve

This Mediterranean cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the central Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will learn to produce selection of small dishes, take part in a hands-on falafel session, perfect brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains including spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. There are visits to the local market and a local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, combined with leisure time for strolls by the nearby river, to unwind on the terrace or swim in the pool. The accommodation, a former farmhouse, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an uplifting, welcoming three-day adults’ street dance camp in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes teaching different street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Participants are split into levels according to skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, right up to advanced dancers or teachers. The camp does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels nearby, and it is under an hour by rail into central London.

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

Maritime Singing Weekend in Cornwall

St Ives is the excellent location for a maritime music retreat. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and have a go at writing their own. The schedule includes vocal warmups, breathing exercises, performance tips and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a rural hotel with views of the bay. Full board are provided, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “What will we do with the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Crete

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He explores everything from plot, character development, setting and tension, to submitting work to agents. A co-host, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the beginning and end of the retreat. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (companions are welcome to share). On the final evening, budding authors celebrate with a concert in the garden and a final meal.

Cost: Starting at £893 per person for one week (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a wide range of courses on sustainability: from creating habitats to upcycling. This two-day introduction will help attendees learn the basics of beekeeping, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a opportunity to de-stress 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 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting 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 learning the ropes or more experienced mariners who want a refresher. Sailors can improve their helming, build their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s levels one to three in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight packages, with accommodation in basic shared rooms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package provides lunches, while the residential package includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

Cost: Starting at £299. Weekends on 18-20 July and 4-6 September.

Introduction to Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

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