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Discover a world of novel talents alongside incredible locations. Starting with scaling cliffs in the UK to mosaic-making in Turkey, these journeys provide a superb combination of learning and holiday.

Cliff Scaling in the National Park

Even total newcomers will soon be climbing sheltered regional rock faces on this weekend course. Attendees will master tying in, belaying and several methods of ascent, along with descending. Limited to six learners to each tutor, there is significant individual attention and custom goals. The course is appropriate for anyone over the age of 13 and over, from absolute beginners to those with limited indoor experience. This is a non-residential option, but you can find a selection of suggested, affordable places to stay in the vicinity, featuring campsites, hostels, B&Bs and pubs with rooms. The training centre is a short stroll from Bamford railway station, located on the Hope Valley line from Manchester to Sheffield.

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

Non-Representational Art in Spain

Moclín, a historic hillside village in southern Spain, around 45 minutes’ drive from Granada, is the stimulating backdrop for this painting holiday. Painters of all abilities – including beginners – will discover how to design and produce non-representational pieces. Part of the schedule will be spent outdoors, working on guided exercises out in nature. These charcoal drawings and watercolour studies will then be worked on in the workspace, with participants creating a number of interpretive scenes in acrylics to be exhibited in the local community. The group has exclusive access of the venue, which is set around an open courtyard and has a rooftop with views over the countryside. The cost covers five days’ art instruction; all meals; and an trip to the local castle and other points of interest.

Cost: From €1,950 for one week, 19-26 May.

Ottolenghi-Inspired Cooking in the Algarve

This sun-drenched cooking retreat, set on a riverside villa in the inland Portuguese region, is draws inspiration from the vegetarian dishes of celebrated cooks. Participants will master the art of selection of small dishes, take part in a falafel-making workshop, refine brunch dishes such as shakshuka, and make substantial main courses such as spicy mushroom ragu and moussaka. The schedule includes visits to the local market and a nearby winery to taste local vintages, combined with leisure time for strolls by the Funcho River, to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the infinity pool. The accommodation, a renovated rural property, has multiple rooms, as well as safari tents in the grounds.

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

Hip Hop in High Wycombe

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is an energizing, inclusive three-day dance intensive for adults in High Wycombe. The daily schedule throughout the camp is a high-energy group warmup, followed by several hour-and-a-half classes covering different street dance styles, then an 60-minute jam to demonstrate new moves. Dancers are split into levels according to ability and experience, so it is perfect for those who are completely new to popping and locking, all the way to experienced performers or teachers. The camp doesn’t include lodging but there are several places to stay nearby, and it is under an hour by train into London.

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

Sea Shanty Break in Cornwall

St Ives is the ideal spot for a maritime music retreat. Guests will learn historic sailing songs from a experienced musician, and have a go at composing original ones. There will be vocal warmups, breath control techniques, stagecraft advice and a closing performance. The holiday is based at a rural hotel with views of St Ives Bay. All meals are included, including a traditional tea on the first day, cooked or continental breakfasts, lunches to go and three-course dinners. Traditional rum, alas, is not provided. All together now: “How to handle the drunken sailor …?”

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

Writing in Crete

Author and tutor Greg Mosse conducts the daily workshops on this authors' getaway. He covers topics including story structure, characters, locations and tension, to sending manuscripts to publishers. Greg’s wife, the bestselling author Kate Mosse, will co-host events at the start and finish of the week. The holiday is based at a traditional complex in Vamos at the base of the White mountains – 10 private accommodations are set around a garden and pool (non-writing partners are encouraged to come along). On the last night, budding authors celebrate with a musical performance in the courtyard and a farewell dinner.

Cost: Starting at 893 pounds per person for one week (for double occupancy), August 11th to 18th.

Beginners' Beekeeping in Mid Wales

A leading eco-centre near Machynlleth runs a wide range of programs on eco-living: from wildlife gardening to making pallet furniture. This two-day course will help attendees understand the fundamentals of beekeeping, study the biology of honeybees and discover their ecological importance. It is aimed at produce “ecologically mindful beekeepers”. This course is also a chance to relax in the centre's sustainably managed woodlands, which are home to polecats, otters, dormice, lesser horseshoe bats and rare birds. Bed and breakfast the evening prior is 80 pounds, and all meals and lodging during the course is £97.

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

Sailing for Novices in the Blackwater Estuary

These new summer sailing weekends are spent on dinghies and keelboats on the estuary in Essex. They are designed for novice sailors starting out or those with some knowledge who want a refresher. Sailors can hone their helming, build their nautical skills and aim for the recognized levels one to three in a supportive atmosphere. There are non-residential and residential options, staying in basic shared rooms in the waterfront sailing school. The day option includes lunches, while the residential package includes two nights’ accommodation and full board, from hearty breakfasts to BBQ dinners.

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

Introduction to Sea Swimming in Paphos

The setting for this swimming holiday is a {be