By Dan WardIn this story:
If you're on the lookout for fun things to do in London, you'll have seen all the cliches… Beefeaters, double-decker buses, that big clock. You know the classics, but there's more to this city than meets the eye. Beyond the history and crowds, there's so many non-touristy experiences in London waiting for you!
Instead of spending another afternoon queuing for an attraction, why not spend it making something you'll actually take home? London's creative scene is packed with independent studios where you can learn a new skill, meet local makers and leave with a handmade souvenir that's far more memorable than anything from a gift shop.
Whether you're visiting for the weekend or you're a Londoner looking for alternative activities in the capital, these creative workshops offer a different way to experience the city.
Why a creative workshop beats another tourist attraction
Museums and landmarks tell you about London's history, which is of course amazing. But creative workshops let you become part of its creative community! Instead of rushing around between attractions, you'll get crafty and connect with local artists and makers, while making something yourself. You might explore neighbourhoods you might have never visited otherwise.
The best part? Most London workshops for tourists (and locals!) are completely beginner-friendly. You don't need any experience, just a willingness to have a go.
Creative non-touristy experiences worth booking instead
1. Sip 'n' sculpt: Pottery, pints and a whole lot of fun
Forget stuffy art classes! This is pottery with a twist. You'll learn to shape and mould clay, all while enjoying your favourite drink. Whether you're a sculpting pro or a total newbie, this relaxed setting lets you experiment and create without the pressure for perfection. And hey, if your mug ends up wonky, you have a great story to go with it!
- Explore the city: Head to hip Shoreditch or East London's independent workshops for a true taste of London's creative scene.
- Benefits: A fantastic stress-reliever with a fun, social atmosphere.
- Ideal for: Groups of friends, couples looking for a unique date night, or anyone wanting a laugh and a hands-on experience.
Try it here:
- Pottery wheel throwing class in Hackney.
- Sip and paint a mug workshop in Battersea.
2. Culinary adventures: Spice up your London experience
London's food scene is one of the most exciting in the world, so why just eat it when you can learn how to make it?
Cooking classes are a brilliant way to experience different cultures through food. Depending on the workshop, you might master handmade pasta, roll sushi, fold dumplings or perfect authentic pizza, all while learning techniques you can recreate at home.
- Explore the city: Seek out independent cooking schools offering unique specialities, or head to historic Borough Market for classes amidst the foodie buzz.
- Benefits: Gain delicious skills to impress back home, and create edible memories of your travels.
- Ideal for: Foodies seeking immersive experiences, couples wanting a hands-on date, or anyone with a hunger to learn London's culinary secrets.
Try it here:
- Pizza making masterclass in Hackney.
- Authentic sushi making class in Finsbury Park.
3. Design your own jewellery
Rather than browsing jewellery shops, why not become the designer yourself? Jewellery making workshops introduce you to techniques like silversmithing, wax carving, resin or wire wrapping, allowing you to create something that's completely personal.
Whether it's a silver ring, pendant or pair of earrings, you'll leave wearing something that simply can't be bought anywhere else.
- Explore the city: Find charming jewellery studios in bustling areas like Covent Garden or tucked away in quieter neighbourhoods for a true creative escape.
- Benefits: Develops a new skill, lets you customise and create jewellery to treasure, with the added bonus of "I made this myself" bragging rights.
- Ideal for: Fashion-forward individuals, those looking for a thoughtful homemade gift idea, or anyone wanting a break from the ordinary.
Try it here:
- Personalised silver ring making workshop in Islington.
- Gemstone jewellery making workshop in Whitechapel.
Runs regularly
Nine Elms
1 to 65 guests
6 years in business
4. Gin tasting... but with a creative kick
London loves its gin, but instead of simply tasting it, why not blend your own? It's part tasting session, part creative workshop, and one of the most unusual experiences you'll find in the city!
These workshops take you behind the scenes of craft distilling, introducing you to different botanicals before you create your own bespoke recipe. Experiment with citrus, herbs, florals and spices until you've mixed something that's completely unique to you.
- Explore the city: Discover the rising trend of micro-distilleries around the city, many operating in revitalized historic or industrial spaces.
- Benefits: Learn something while getting merry! It's more than a tasting, it's a personalized experience for your tastebuds.
- Ideal for: Gin enthusiasts, foodies curious about drink production, or anyone looking for a boozy activity with a brag-worthy outcome.
Try it here:
- Aquavit and gin distilling workshop in Putney.
- Japanese gin masterclass in Hackney.
5. Pour your own signature candle
If your ideal afternoon is slower, calmer and smells amazing, candle making is hard to beat. You'll blend fragrances, pour natural wax and customise your candle while learning about scent combinations and candle care.
It's lovely and mindful without feeling overly serious, making it ideal after a busy day exploring London. Many workshops also let you personalise the fragrance, meaning every candle feels completely unique.
- Explore the city: Discover cosy independent studios where local makers will show you the art of blending fragrances and pouring your own candle.
- Benefits: Slow down, get creative and leave with a handmade candle that reminds you of your London trip every time you light it!
- Ideal for: Solo travellers, couples, friends looking for a mindful afternoon or anyone who loves home fragrance and beautiful interiors.
Try it here:
- Candle making masterclass in Notting Hill.
- Essential oil candle making class in Islington.
6. Paint something you'll actually want to hang up
Paint and sip classes have become hugely popular and for good reason! Guided by a friendly artist, you'll recreate a painting step by step while enjoying a relaxed social atmosphere.
Some workshops focus on landscapes, others on abstract art or seasonal themes, so there's plenty to choose from. It's one of the easiest ways to switch off for a couple of hours and surprise yourself with what you can create.
- Explore the city: Swap another gallery visit for an art session in one of London's welcoming creative studios, where you'll paint alongside locals and fellow visitors alike.
- Benefits: No experience needed, plenty of laughs and a finished canvas you'll actually be proud to display at home.
- Ideal for: Creative beginners, date nights, groups of friends or anyone who wants a relaxed, social activity with a colourful take-home souvenir.
Try it here:
- BYOB paint and sip experience in Finsbury Park.
- Watercolour painting workshop in Putney.
Which creative workshop suits your London trip?
| The London activity | You’ll love it if you’re looking for... | Your handmade souvenir |
| Sip 'n' sculpt pottery | A lively, laugh-out-loud stress reliever with a fun social atmosphere and a drink in hand. | A beautifully unique, slightly wonky clay mug or masterpiece with a great story behind it. |
| Culinary adventures | An immersive, delicious date night to master kitchen secrets like authentic pizza or sushi rolling. | Edible travel memories and impressive new kitchen skills to show off back home. |
| Jewellery designing | A break from the ordinary to customise premium, wearable fashion pieces using silver or gemstones. | A completely custom silver ring or pendant that simply cannot be bought in a gift shop. |
| Bespoke gin distilling | A unique, boozy afternoon learning about craft botanicals while getting a little merry. | A personalsed bottle of spirits mixed to your exact flavour preferences. |
| Scented candle pouring | A slow, calming, and deeply mindful break after a busy day of urban sightseeing. | A natural, hand-poured custom candle that fills your home with the scent of your trip. |
| Paint and sip experiences | An easy way to switch off your brain, enjoy a few drinks, and paint alongside local Londoners. | A colourful, finished canvas artwork that you will actually be proud to hang up on your wall. |
Say ‘yes’ to creativity, say ‘yes’ to an unforgettable London experience
These are just a taste of the hidden corners where London's creative heart beats. Stepping into workshops and letting yourself play sparks something different. You can even spark a new flame with these romantic London experiences. You'll surprise yourself, meet interesting people, and see the city through a brand-new lens, one shaped by your own hands. Who knows, you might even tap into an unknown talent! So, set aside that sightseeing checklist and dare to create your own unique London story.
