UNITED KINGDOM · WORKSHOPS
16 reviewed
Here are the 15 best workshops, with what each one costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is at the top for a reason, but read past it: the second or third often fits a tighter day better.
Make classic London scones with tea in a Central workshop. Learn traditional shaping, bake warm treats, and take home scones and a certificate.
“Great time. Enjoyed making and eating our scones. A wonderful experience!”
Make a 200g custom chocolate bar in York Cocoa Works, learning tempering, flavors, and design, with a take-home prize.
“Lovely young lad led our session. Very informative and fun and lovely chocolate”
Beginner surf lesson in Newquay with Quiksilver, including gear, hot showers, and in-water coaching for up to 8 people.
“Kyle was a great teacher, relaxed, loves surfing and made me feel at ease. Fistral beach was the ideal location with perfect waves. The surf school is a few steps away, with facilities to put on the wetsuit, showers, lockers, etc. The style of teaching is understandable and broken down into 2 sets of learnings. I ended up standing up on the board and I'm in my late 40s :) Nervous at the start, but finished with a constant big smile on my face throughout the session. Thank you Kyle.”
East End street art walk and a 45-minute spray painting workshop. Learn London’s walls and make your own piece to take home for $50.
“Brilliant tour with just the right amount of information from a clearly knowledgeable and passionate tour guide- Josh.”
Learn to bake traditional English scones in London’s West End, sip tea, and eat jam and clotted cream with a pro baker in a small group.
“Great workshop. The hosts were very knowledgeable and entertaining. Would definitely recommend for anyone traveling to London.”
Beginner surf lesson in Newquay with up to 8 people, heated rooms, wetsuits and foam boards. Learn safety and stand-up in 2 hours.
“The instructors were super friendly/ patient and nice! Although for a beginner class I think it's important to take less students in a group so that the instructor can focus more with each person since it's a completely new activity for some of us. Other than that I recommend the surfing class and I would definitely do it again!”
Sea kayak lesson in Newquay with a small group, qualified instructor, sit-on-top kayaks, and guided paddling past caves, cliffs, and seals.
“We had a great time Kayaking around some of the local coastline with James and the rest of the group and even saw a few friendly seals! Appreciated the clear and friendly instruction and information on some of the local landmarks”
Tailored private surf coaching at Newquay’s Fistral Beach, with board and wetsuit gear, hot showers, and time on the waves.
“I was in Newquay for three days and the guys at Fistral Surf School were really helpful and accommodating throughout my time there. I had a private coaching session one day and hired a board and wetsuit on the others and the team were always friendly, supportive and happy to answer any questions. I'd 100% recommend, thank you!”
East London street art walk and stencil workshop with artists like Banksy and ROA, plus hands-on spray practice. Half day, $60.
“Excellent opportunity to learn more about street art & even have a go at stencilling & spraying yourself. We had a great time & would go again.”
Make and temper your own single-origin chocolate bar in York. Hands-on lesson at York Cocoa Works, plus take-home souvenir.
“Staff shared good knowledge about the process and taught us how the cocoa bean ends up on the shelf as chocolate. Good experience to to with friends/family/partner, and we made our own chocolate bars and got to personalise them!”
Beginner-friendly surf lesson at Dunnet Beach in the Scottish Highlands. Gear and wetsuit included, North Sea coaching, about 2 hours.
“A great but very tiring 2 hours spent with my sister and brother-in-law, and learnt to surf at the age of 64. Finn was fantastic and so encouraging and the gear supplied was first class. Highly recommended.”
Make traditional London scones in Balham with a friendly instructor. Choose classic, cheese, or sultana, then enjoy jam, cream, tea.
“It was amazing, the scones came out amazing and I had so much fun”
Make your own silver ring in Canterbury with Annie. Learn real forging, soldering, and polishing, plus coffee and tea. Materials cost extra.
“I was visiting the UK on a school trip and had an extended weekend, and on a whim chose to spend it in Canterbury. I only had one thing booked before I arrived to my hotel and it was this Silver Ring Workshop. When I say that this made my trip, I truly mean it. The owner was extremely kind, courteous, helpful, and fun. She walks you through every step of this 2-3 hour workshop in a way that isn’t demeaning like some workshops I’ve been to. Instead, she happily walks you through every step and teaches you why those steps are important and even lets you take your time…”
2-hour taster surfing lesson in Bude, Cornwall. Small groups, thick wetsuits, and coaching to help you stand on real waves.
“My 11 year old (who was a total newbie - decent pool swimmer but had never stuck more than his toes in the sea) did two surf lessons with Freewave - the first with Ned at Widemouth Bay and the second with Reuben at Summerleaze. Both lessons were excellent and he made huge progress very quickly. Booked and paid online, met easily with clearly marked van at the beach. Admin was chilled but organised, with wet suit in right size provided, and I could watch and take pictures from the beach without intruding in the lesson.”
3 hour East London street art tour with a spray painting workshop. Learn stencil skills and create your own art for $53.28.
“Laura was our excellent guide. We could feel her passion for the art, and it helped make the tour informative and enjoyable. Highly recommend.”
