England · WORKSHOPS
Good workshops & classes fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 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.”
Meet Freewave Surf Academy at Widemouth Bay for a two-hour beginner lesson on Cornwall’s north coast. You’ll get a wetsuit and board, learn beach safety and basic technique, then practice in the waves with an instructor such as Marco, Reuben, Sally, or Ned. Groups are capped at six, with morning and afternoon sessions.
“All my 11 year son wanted to do on our holiday was to have a surfing lesson so we booked a session online with freewave surf academy not really knowing want to expect. The instructor Ruben quickly put us at ease. After some instruction on the beach, they headed out, Ruben helped him choose the best waves and he was super pleased to manage to stand a couple of times. It was clear that Ruben was aware of the changing weather/wave conditions and safety was a priority. My son had a fabulous time - and came out if the sea with a huge grin - job well done! He hasn't…”
Meet at 20 Brushfield Street at 2 pm for a guided walk through East London’s street-art scene, then try spray painting, stencils, and other techniques at the Alternative London workshop. Guides including Eva, Josh, Gary, Laura, Natalie, and Alice bring different stories and styles to the tour. The experience ends where it begins.
“Fantastic tour and great workshop! Kids also enjoyed it a lot! Excellent explanation of the types of art and very friendly atmosphere created by our guide, Josh!”
Spend four hours with a local guide exploring Shoreditch and East London’s stickers, sprayed designs, and murals, then create your own street art. Josh leads an engaging route for up to six people before guiding you through stencil-making and spray techniques at the Hessel Street studio.
“The walking tour and workshop were fun and interesting. Excellent activity for teenagers. It rained a bit but who cares ?!”
Join instructor Xenia for a gentle, beginner-friendly yoga flow beside Brighton’s sea front or in St. Ann’s Wells Garden. Classes last 45 to 60 minutes, welcome all levels, and are limited to 12 people. Bring your own mat, water, and props. An orange flag marks the meeting spot.
“Xenia was lovely, although there was a mix up with the timings so it ended up being a one to one session on the beach! She led a lovely flow and provided recommendations of other exciting things to do in Brighton.”
Spend about two hours learning to mix and shake three cocktails in a private Bristol class. Your host supplies the equipment and guidance, and past sessions have included Carrie, Josh, and other friendly instructors. Non-drinkers and cocktail preferences can sometimes be accommodated, so ask when booking.
“We all had an amazing time. Great atmosphere and staff. We had a wide variety of ages on our trip and everyone had an amazing time. Would definetly reccomend”
Meet your instructor at London Sound Academy’s studio at 93a Bayham St for a private two-hour lesson on Pioneer DJ decks. You’ll practice beatmatching, phrasing, harmonic mixing, EQ, and filters with personal guidance, without an audience listening in. The session begins and ends at the studio.
“A fantastic experience to learn more about the Dj scene and get nitty/gritty with some equipment. I was made to feel very comfortable with the high-end software and technology you're exposed to on this 1:1 course. Highly recommend!!”
Meet Erika near Kew tube station for a 90-minute adult biscuit decorating class. You will outline, flood, and pipe floral and seasonal designs on prepared biscuits with royal icing. The class is limited to eight people, and printed recipes and instructions help you repeat the work at home. Themes change with the season.
“I enjoy meeting locals and participating in unique experiences when I travel. This biscuit decorating class exceeded all my expectations and provided a fun souvenir to take away (they survived until I returned to my hotel and ate them post photo taking…cute and delicious too!). Erika was the perfect teacher. She’s patient and kind and has a great sense of humor. You learn all about how to make the biscuits, how to make the icing and then the techniques to decorate the biscuits. You leave with a set of printed instructions to continue the magic at home. The class is located in a cozy cafe just a few steps from…”
Spend about three hours walking with photographer Ed Fil around London Bridge, the City of London, Borough Market, and Tate Modern. He helps you use your camera in busy streets, spot better light and compositions, and combine landmarks with people to capture London’s character. Groups are capped at five, and you receive a 16-GB SD card.
“I spent an afternoon with Ed Fil showing me some great spots for street photography. Along the way he introduced me some new techniques and refined some of the techniques I was already familiar with. One of the most fun practices was combining street and travel photography to create images that capture the vibe of the city. For example, placing an iconic landmark, such as Tower Bridge, in the background and interesting people in the foreground. This created images that remind me where I was, London, and capture the colour and energy of the location at the same time. Thanks for a great afternoon of shooting Ed.”
Pick a city, a stone circle or a pub.
