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Explore a realm of novel talents paired with stunning destinations. From scaling cliffs in the UK to creating mosaics in Turkey, these particular journeys offer the perfect combination of education and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the Peak District

Including total novices will rapidly be ascending sheltered regional rock faces on this weekend course. Learners will learn tying in, belaying and several climbing techniques, as well as descending. Limited to a half-dozen students to one instructor, there is a lot of individual attention and personalised targets. The course is suitable for anyone aged 13 and over, ranging from first-time climbers to those with limited indoor experience. It is day-only course, but there is a range of suggested, reasonably-priced lodging in the vicinity, such as campgrounds, hostels, B&Bs and inns. The base is a brief walk from Bamford railway station, which is on the rail route from Manchester to Sheffield.

Cost: £199 for the weekend. Courses from March 7th to November 8th, and midweek sessions most months.

Abstract Painting in Andalucía

Moclín, a historic white village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the inspiring backdrop for this painting holiday. Participants of every skill level – even novices – will be taught how to design and produce modern art. Some time will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises en plein air. These sketches and paintings will then be developed in the studio, with attendees producing a number of abstract landscapes in acrylics to be displayed in the village. The group has sole use of the venue, which is built around an open courtyard and has a sun terrace with panoramic vistas over the countryside. The fee covers five days’ painting tuition; all meals; and an outing to the local castle and other points of interest.

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

Vegetarian Culinary in the Algarve

This sun-drenched culinary holiday, located at a villa by the river in the inland Algarve, is draws inspiration from the plant-based cuisine of renowned chefs. Guests will master the art of meze spreads, attend a falafel-making workshop, 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 local vineyard to sample Portuguese wines, plus free time for walks by the Funcho River, to unwind on the terrace or take a dip in the pool. The farmhouse, a former farmhouse, has five bedrooms, as well as glamping tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

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, followed by several hour-and-a-half workshops covering different urban dance forms, then an hour-long freestyle session to show off those solos. Dancers are split into levels based on ability and experience, so it is suitable for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to advanced dancers or instructors. The camp does not provide accommodation but there are a number of hostels and hotels nearby, and it is 23-35 minutes by rail into London.

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

Sea Shanty Weekend in St Ives

St Ives is the excellent spot for a sea shanty weekend. Participants will learn traditional shanties from a experienced musician, and try their hand at writing their own. There will be vocal warmups, breathing exercises, stagecraft advice and a final evening concert. The retreat is based at a country house overlooking St Ives Bay. All meals are included, such as a Cornish cream tea on arrival, cooked or continental breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. Everyone join in: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Creative Writing in Greece

Writer and lecturer Greg Mosse leads the regular sessions on this authors' getaway. He explores topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. A co-host, the well-known writer Kate Mosse, will co-host special sessions at the beginning and end of the week. The holiday is held at a traditional complex in Vamos at the foot of the White mountains – ten one- and two-bedroom cottages surround a garden and pool (non-writing partners are welcome to come along). On the last night, budding authors mark the occasion with a concert in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: From £893 per person for seven nights (for double occupancy), 11-18 August.

Beginners' Apiculture in Wales

The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth runs a host of courses on sustainability: from wildlife gardening to upcycling. This two-day course will help participants learn the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and learn about their environmental benefits. It is aimed at produce “bee-friendly beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to de-stress in the organization's sustainably managed forests, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, bats and uncommon bird species. Accommodation the night before is £80, and all meals and lodging for the weekend is 97 pounds.

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

Yachting for Novices in Essex

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on Wayfarers and keelboats on the Blackwater estuary. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or more experienced mariners who want a skills update. Sailors can improve their steering, strengthen their seamanship and aim for the Royal Yachting Association’s certification levels in a fun, welcoming environment. There are day-only and overnight options, staying in simple dorms in the waterside sailing school. The non-residential package includes packed lunches, while the overnight option includes two nights' stay and all meals, from hearty breakfasts to evening barbecues.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be