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Explore a world of novel talents combined with stunning locations. Starting with rock climbing in Britain to creating mosaics in Türkiye, these experiences offer a superb mix of learning and holiday.

Bouldering in the Peaks

Even absolute beginners will quickly be scaling sheltered regional crags on this weekend course. Participants will master securing the rope, belaying and multiple climbing techniques, as well as abseiling down. Capped at six participants to one instructor, there is plenty of individual attention and personalised targets. The training is open to anyone over the age of 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is non-residential option, but there is a list of suggested, reasonably-priced places to stay nearby, including campsites, hostels, bed and breakfasts and inns. The venue is 10 minutes’ walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Modern Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic hillside village in Andalucía, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the breathtaking backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – even beginners – will discover how to design and produce modern art. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises in the open. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the workspace, with attendees producing multiple abstract landscapes in acrylic paint to be exhibited in the village. The group has sole use of the hotel, which is centered on an open courtyard and has a rooftop with panoramic vistas over the hills. The cost covers five days’ art instruction; full board; and an excursion to the nearby fortress and additional local sights.

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

Plant-Based Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, located at a riverside villa in the central Portuguese region, is inspired by the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Attendees will master the art of selection of small dishes, attend a hands-on falafel session, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make hearty mains such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, along with leisure time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the deck or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a renovated rural property, has five bedrooms, plus safari tents in the gardens.

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

Street Dance in High Wycombe

This energetic camp is an energizing, welcoming weekend dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy warm-up session, followed by three 90-minute classes covering various street dance styles, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off new moves. Dancers are divided into levels based on skill level, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to street dance, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. This event does not provide lodging but there are several hostels and hotels within walking distance, and it is under an hour by train into central London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn traditional shanties 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 final evening concert. The holiday is held in a rural hotel overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on arrival, breakfast options, lunches to go and evening meals. Grog, unfortunately, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Greece

Writer and tutor Greg Mosse runs the regular sessions on this writing retreat. He explores everything from story structure, character development, setting and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will participate in events at the beginning and end of the week. The retreat is held at a village-style hotel in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages are set around a central garden with a pool (companions are encouraged to share). On the final evening, aspiring writers mark the occasion with a musical performance in the garden and a final meal.

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

Introduction to Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants get to grips with the basics of apiary management, study the biology of bees and discover their environmental benefits. It is designed to produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. The weekend is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and uncommon bird species. Bed and breakfast the night before is £80, and full-board accommodation during the course is 97 pounds.

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

Sailing for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are aimed at adult beginners learning the ropes or those with some knowledge who want a skills update. Sailors can hone their steering, strengthen their seamanship and work towards the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are non-residential and residential packages, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront training centre. The day option provides packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Getting Started in Open-Water Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be