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Do you ever find yourself thinking, I used to make things all the time? There's no better chance to rediscover an old love with our range of creative things to do in London. It can be a struggle to stay united with your crafty side – maybe you loved art class at school and miss it now, or you're always halfway through a project and life simply gets in the way.
But the best part is that creativity doesn't disappear just because you haven't used it for a while. London is a city that never fails to captivate and inspire, with its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant arts scene – and it's stacked full of crafty activities that might just help you find your next passion, or reconnect you with an old one!
Why making things is worth coming back to
There's a reason so many of us say we'd love to be more creative – it's so good for you and for the soul, but we don't always have the time and energy to dedicate to it. Getting crafty gives your brain a well-needed screen break, and instead of worrying about getting everything right, you can just focus on what's right in front of you.
And you don't even need to be an expert! These crafty London activities aren't about making masterpieces – they're about breaking your routine and reconnecting you with your creativity. So if it's been years since you picked up a paintbrush, that's completely normal. Everyone has to start (or restart) somewhere!
Rediscover your creativity with crafty London activities
1. Pottery: for anyone who's always wanted to get their hands dirty
Nestled in the bustling streets of London, pottery studios offer a chance to get your hands dirty and create something beautiful, all while escaping the pace of city life for a couple of hours. Whether you're hand-building a mug or learning the basics of the pottery wheel, experienced teachers guide you through every step.
One of the nicest things about pottery is that perfection isn't really the goal. Every fingerprint and tiny imperfection makes your finished piece feel completely unique, and you'll leave with something you can actually use at home!
Try it here:
- Introductory pottery wheel throwing class in Camden.
- Medieval ceramic tile handbuilding workshop in Forest Gate.
They loved it and we think you will too:
"I had the most amazing time. The instructor was funny and he was encouraging whenever we made mistakes. I got to make a bowl and a vase. I learned how important it is to be relaxed and not have expectations to create a masterpiece." - Simran Singh, Introductory pottery wheel throwing class.
2. Photography: for anyone who used to see the world differently through a lens
Remember when you'd actually stop to photograph interesting buildings, sunsets or little moments during the day? Photography workshops are a lovely reminder to slow down and really notice your surroundings again – and you'll pick up practical techniques along the way.
London is a photographer's dream, with its historic architecture, colourful streets and constantly changing light. Guided photography walks take you beyond the obvious landmarks, helping you spot interesting compositions and hidden corners you might otherwise walk straight past.
Try it here:
- Smartphone photography class in Brick Lane.
- Beginners digital photography class in Clerkenwell.
3. Floristry: for anyone who finds calm in working with nature
In the middle of London's busy streets, spending a couple of hours surrounded by fresh flowers can feel so lovely and restorative. Floristry workshops are about much more than arranging blooms in a vase. You'll learn how to combine colours, textures and seasonal stems while creating something that's entirely your own.
Whether you're making a hand-tied bouquet or experimenting with more contemporary floral design, it's a gentle, beginner-friendly way to reconnect with your creative side. And you'll leave with something beautiful to brighten your home!
Try it here:
- Flower market tour and bouquet workshop in Shoreditch.
- Seasonal ikebana flower arranging workshop in Islington.
4. Printmaking: for anyone who loved art at school
If you enjoyed lino printing or block printing at school, this could be the creative comeback you've been looking for! Printmaking has a wonderfully satisfying process. You'll carve your design, roll on the ink and reveal your finished print one careful press at a time.
It's thoughtful without feeling complicated, and because you can produce multiple prints from one design, you'll leave with artwork that's perfect for framing or gifting.
Try it here:
- Lino printing workshop in Shoreditch.
- Tote bag block printing workshop in Camden.
5. Drawing: for anyone who used to love doodling
If drawing used to be your thing, going along to a relaxed workshop could be the thing that reignites your passion! Forget memories of intimidating art classrooms – modern drawing workshops are welcoming and full of people simply enjoying the process of sketching, zero pressure.
You'll have the chance to experiment with line, movement and observation while gradually rebuilding your confidence. You might be surprised how quickly those forgotten skills begin to return!
Try it here:
- Drawing class: perspective sketching at the V&A Museum in South Kensington.
- Still life art workshop in Bow.
They loved it and we think you will too:
"I had a lovely class with Natalie at the V&A! She was kind, patient and gave me really helpful pointers on where I can improve. I enjoyed the exhibits she took us to and feel much more confident about drawing buildings, rooms and objects than before. I can't wait to practice!" - Clara Ferreyra, Drawing class: perspective sketching at the V&A Museum.
Places to find creative inspiration in London
Sometimes the hardest part isn't actually making something, it's remembering what inspired you in the first place. Before (or after) your workshop, spend a little time having a mooch around and inspiration may strike when you least expect it.
- Columbia Road Flower Market – A feast of colour, texture and scent that's perfect if you're drawn to floristry, illustration or photography.
- The V&A Museum – Packed with ceramics, textiles, jewellery and design from around the world. Ideal if you love craft history or want to admire incredible handmade work.
- Leadenhall Market or Covent Garden – Beautiful architecture, shopfronts and people-watching make these the loveliest spots for sketching, photography or simply noticing interesting details.
- Kew Gardens – If nature is where your creativity comes alive, spend a morning surrounded by plants, glasshouses and seasonal blooms before heading to a floristry or botanical art workshop.
- Tate Modern – Wander through contemporary exhibitions to see how different artists operate. It's a great reminder that there isn't one "right" way to be creative.
- Your favourite local café – Inspiration doesn't always come from galleries. Sitting with a notebook, people-watching or doodling over a flat white can be just as valuable as visiting an exhibition.
What suits your creative comeback?
| If you want to reconnect with... | Your perfect workshop match | Your London inspiration spot | What your comeback feels like |
| Tactile, hands-on crafting | Pottery |
The V&A Museum |
Embracing beautiful imperfections, getting your hands dirty, and creating something unique you can actually use at home. |
| Noticing the beauty in everyday details | Photography |
Leadenhall Market or Covent Garden |
Slowing down to observe your surroundings again, exploring hidden city corners, and capturing unique compositions through a lens. |
| Calm, nature-inspired relaxation | Floristry |
Columbia Road Flower Market or Kew Gardens |
A gentle, restorative afternoon spent working with seasonal blooms to bring a burst of life into your home. |
| The nostalgia of your school art days | Printmaking |
Tate Modern |
A satisfying, step-by-step process of carving a design, rolling ink, and pressing a graphic artwork that is ready to frame. |
| A simple love for sketching and doodling | Drawing |
Your favourite local café |
Rebuilding your confidence in a relaxed, welcoming environment focused entirely on the fun of sketching with zero pressure. |
London is a city that never fails to surprise and inspire, and these unique London activities are just a taste of what's on offer. From pottery making to drawing, each experience offers a unique way to explore the city and tap into your creative potential. Rediscovering that creative side of you doesn't need to be a chore! So why not step out of your comfort zone and discover the creative heart of London? You never know what you might create or discover along the way.
Runs regularly
Nine Elms
1 to 65 guests
£34 - £40
6 years in business
