England · WORKSHOPS
The shortlist you would text a friend the week before they fly: 15 workshops & classes, each with what it costs, what travellers said and the one thing to know before booking.
Learn to surf at Fistral Beach in Newquay with warm gear, small groups, patient coaching, hot showers, and a practical first lesson.
“Great fun! Ewan was really friendly, helpful and patient. We had an amazing time. Reasonably priced for a decently long session.”
Make British scones from scratch, enjoy tea with jam and clotted cream, and learn a useful baking skill in a small London workshop.
“Great way to spend an hour or so learning to make an English classic. Very good instructors. Clean space, clean ingredients.”
Learn to surf in Newquay with warm wetsuits, stable foam boards, patient instructors, and a small group at Great Western or Fistral Beach.
“Alex from the Surf school was awesome. Was very helpful and provided detailed information on how to surf. Extremely professional and super helpful.”
Paddle Newquay’s Atlantic coast by sit-on-top kayak, with small groups, expert guidance, caves, coves, cliffs, and possible seal sightings.
“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”
Learn what to expect from a private Fistral Beach surf lesson in Newquay, with expert coaching, gear, showers, pricing, and practical tips.
“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!”
Make a custom chocolate bar in York, learn tempering and cocoa origins, taste as you go, then wrap your creation to take home.
“Great experience, our host was very knowledgeable, friendly and engaging. The information provided was interesting and the chocolate tasting and chocolate making was fun!”
Make a simple silver ring with silversmith Annie in a private Canterbury studio, learning to saw, forge, solder, and polish your own design.
“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…”
Learn to surf at Widemouth Bay with Freewave’s small-group lesson, warm wetsuits, expert coaching, and flexible morning or afternoon sessions.
“Our boys and thier cousins had 3 fantastic surf lessons with Sally at Freewave. Due to flat waves they also did a costeering experience with Glyn, which was thrilling and they even saw a seal. The communication with the academy was clear and timely, giving us options as the weather changed. The boys improved quickly and really enjoyed the experience. I would highly recommend - lovely instructors and great fun!”
Explore East London street art, learn spray-paint and stencil skills, and create your own artwork in this hands-on three-hour tour.
“What a great experience. Didn’t know what to expect but my 12 year old and I really enjoyed it - highly recommend.”
Learn bodyboarding in Newquay with patient instructors, warm wetsuits, safe sea skills, and a real chance to catch waves in two hours.
“Went for a lesson with my nine year old son. Cannot recommend highly enough. We’ve had surf lessons before but this was different level of fun, expertise and individual detailed coaching. My (at the start very poor) bodyboarding was transformed by the brilliant Salvador. As was my son’s - and Salvador pitched the teaching at both of us differently to really help us both get better. I went from catching maybe one in ten waves to basically catching most viable waves going. (And I’m an… erm… big boned… man in his 50s!) Transformational. And just a lot of fun - really relaxed and fun atmosphere. Thank you Salvador! And also…”
Explore Shoreditch street art, then make your own stencils and spray-painted artwork in a small-group London workshop.
“Fantastic tour and hands on experience! Thank you Josh for such an engaging and enjoyable experience!!!”
Make Northern Chinese dumplings from scratch in Pan’s London home, with tea, three fillings, hands-on coaching, dinner, and leftovers to take away.
“We were welcomed.by Pan. Such an amazing host. We really enjoyed this experience as it was my husband's birthday. She is very patient, learnt alot and made us feel very comfortable. Such a fun and amazing experience. Would definitely recommend Pan cooking class 10/10”
Learn to surf in Newquay with a private coach, small group, quality gear, warm showers, and flexible tide-based timing.
“Booked a two hour private lesson for myself and my son. We had Jack as our instructor and he was very good. Friendly, good natured, patient and encouraging. Having spent the past 35 years as a professional sports coach, I know good teaching and coaching. Jack and his colleagues have very well structured lessons and excellent coaching skills. I saw them working with pupils of all ages and abilities and they certainly know how to pitch the lesson and improve people. They got me standing and surfing, so they must be good!”
Private Newquay surf lesson with personal coaching, quality equipment, warm showers, and beach time suited to beginners and improving surfers.
“Fabulous group. Very friendly and took time to explain everything. Promised my two (age 11 and 13) they would stand up and they did with the great encouragement from Pigeon. Great value.”
Bake scones, cakes, jam, and clotted cream in a small Stratford-upon-Avon class, then enjoy a full afternoon tea with bubbly.
“Pace of the afternoon was just right and the involvement in the process made it the more interesting, was amazed that my husband thoroughly enjoyed it. Learnt some quick tips which I will definitely be using and also Graham has rekindled his enthusiasm to use the kitchen more.”
Pick a city, a castle or a walk.
