England · WORKSHOPS
Good workshops & classes fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 7 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Meet Quiksilver Surf School at The Esplanade Hotel for a two-hour beginner lesson near Fistral Beach. You’ll learn beach safety, paddling, wave timing, board control, and ways to stand, with a maximum of eight students. Wetsuit, board, changing rooms, lockers, and hot showers are included.
“Our 15-year-old had an amazing time learning to surf with Quiksilver Surf School. We booked a block of 5 lessons and couldn’t be more impressed with the whole experience.”
Meet a local baker at De Hems Dutch Cafe Bar in London’s West End for a hands-on scone class. You’ll mix, roll, shape, and bake at least three scones, learn useful techniques and scone lore, then eat them with jam, clotted cream, and tea. Hosts including Ron, Danni, and Danny keep the small class friendly and easy to follow.
“This was the perfect London experience! We really enjoyed the cooking class as they explained the process step by step and provided the history of scones. Great afternoon!”
Meet the Newquay Activity Centre on Fore Street for a two-hour beginner surf lesson at Great Western or Fistral Beach. You’ll learn beach safety, board control, and the basics of standing up, with Rip Curl wetsuits, ID vests, lockers, and stable Swell foam boards provided. Alex is one of the instructors who may guide your session.
“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!”
Learn sea-kayaking basics with a qualified Newquay Activity Centre instructor, then paddle around Cornwall’s coast in a small group. You’ll visit coves and caves, pass cliffs, and may spot seals. James is praised for calm, clear guidance. The two-hour outing suits beginners aged over eight, though weather can force a change of plan.
“James was brilliant, such a friendly chap, knowledgeable about the area and generally a nice guy”
Spend two hours learning or refining your surfing at Fistral Beach Surf School in Newquay. Your private coach can tailor the session to your level, from first stand-up attempts to better manoeuvres. Boards, wetsuits, changing rooms, and hot showers are included, with lessons for ages five and up.
“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!”
At York Cocoa Works in central York, you learn how chocolate is made, taste single-origin chocolate, practice tempering, then design a personalised bar with toppings. The 75-minute workshop suits families, couples, friends, and older children. Your bar needs time to set, but you can take it home later the same day.
“What a fun way to make memories and something yummy in York! Class was informational and fun, and now learned a new use for a blow dryer.”
Join silversmith Annie in her Canterbury studio for a private two to three hour beginners’ workshop. You’ll measure your finger, shape and texture silver, use a torch to anneal and solder, then file and polish your ring. Tea, coffee, tools, and guidance are included, but silver costs an extra £10 to £30 per ring.
“What a great idea for an activity in Canterbury! My wife and I never really liked our wedding rings, so we decided that these would be our new wedding rings since we were able to make them together. Annie was very patient and took as much time as we needed to make them just how we wanted and to understand each step in the process and why it was necessary. It was well worth the cost for this special experience.”
Pick a city, a stone circle or a pub.
