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The city buzzes with energy but if you’re craving a moment of peace, escape the everyday and nurture your inner calm with our range of fun things to do in Bristol!
We’ll connect you with a treasure trove of workshops designed to soothe your soul and spark creativity in 2026; from calming candles to gentle pottery, there’s something for everyone. So, ditch the stress and dive into our selection of the best activities in Bristol to quiet a busy mind!
Enjoy soothing soap making with Margaret May Soaps
This calming artisan soap making workshop guides you through the process of crafting your own luxurious, all-natural soap bars; you’ll learn about the properties of different essential oils and butters, master the art of mixing and blending, and finish with your favourite calming scents like lavender or chamomile. The reward? Beautiful, handcrafted soap bars that nourish your skin and promote relaxation – the perfect gift for yourself or a thoughtful present for loved ones.
They loved it and think you will too…
“A lovely afternoon with a fascinating deep dive into how soap is made. We came away so happy with our bars of soap and can’t wait to use them! We would highly recommend this class.” ClassBento crafter Charlotte Attwood
Master macrame with Knots and Stalks
Channel your inner zen with the rhythmic art of macrame at this plant hanger class from Knots and Stalks. This beginner-friendly workshop is perfect for anyone seeking a mindful activity, so flex those fingers and get stuck in! Led by a macrame master, you’ll learn basic knotting techniques and find yourself slipping into a state of calm focus as you create a beautiful handmade plant hanger – perfect for those trailing houseplants. The repetitive motions of knotting are surprisingly soothing, allowing you to unwind and de-stress, while the sense of accomplishment as you see your creation take shape brings a sense of joy and satisfaction.
They loved it and think you will too…
“An excellent and fun workshop! Aggy was a brilliant instructor; demonstrating, explaining and very encouraging to us all and clearly has a passion for what she does. The plant shop downstairs was fabulous, the perfect place to pick up tips and find a new plant to fit in our freshly created macrame plant hanger. I would definitely recommend this workshop!” Crafter Beverley Lloyd-Jones
Craft a gorgeous crown with Flower Therapy
Embrace the natural world and nourish your creativity at the same time with Flower Therapy's dried flower crown workshop. In a gorgeous calming studio, surrounded by fragrant blooms, you'll learn the art of floral arrangement with a twist; you’ll explore different techniques for creating a stunning flower crown, selecting flowers based on their symbolism and calming properties. This workshop isn’t just about creating a beautiful headpiece; it's about connecting with nature and experiencing the therapeutic power of working with flowers, leaving you feeling refreshed and inspired.
They loved it and think you will too…
“We had such a lovely afternoon making our flower crowns. The teaching was great and relaxed, and gave lots of helpful tips. Would 100% recommend!” Craft lover Bryony Brennan-Welsh.
Chill out with clay at Stacey Pamplin Art
Find inner peace through the transformative power of clay at Stacey Pamplin Art, where a coil building pottery workshop will let you reconnect with your senses and switch off from the world. In a calming studio environment, you’ll learn basic hand-building techniques and allow your creativity to flow; focusing on the feel of the cool, malleable clay in your hands, letting go of anxieties as you sculpt a simple yet beautiful plant pot. Whether you choose to add texture with tools or finish your creation with coloured slips, the process itself is a form of mindfulness, promoting relaxation and self-expression.
They loved it and think you will too…
“Wow, what a fantastic workshop with Stacey! My friend and I were instantly put at ease, which was especially important for me as I have anxiety. The instructions were clear and I didn’t feel rushed; we laughed and learnt at the same time. I would highly recommend this workshop as not only producing a decent product but enjoying the process too!” ClassBento crafter Michele Wareham
Relax and make candles with Mount Cottage Crafts
Step into a world of warm glows and soothing scents with Mount Cottage Crafts' soy candle making workshop. Whether you’ve been hitting all the tourist hotspots or you’re a lovely local looking to destress, this calming experience is the perfect antidote to a busy day. Learn the secrets of crafting your own natural soy candles, choosing from a range of relaxing essential oils like lavender, sandalwood, or bergamot. As you pour the wax and personalise your candle with essential oils and decorations, the repetitive motions and rhythmic steps will soothe your mind and ease your worries. The finished product – a beautiful, handcrafted candle that fills your home with a calming aroma – is a wonderful reminder of your mindful experience.
They loved it and think you will too…
“Loved the workshop, it was a lovely fun weekend activity and really interesting – the teacher was informative about the products we were using, and it was all really clear and well taught! Great value for money too and we made some lovely products with a good range of personalisation, I didn’t realise we’d be decorating a candle and there were some great materials provided. Loved the recycled containers too!” Candle making student Harriet Lord
We've got the best activities in Bristol to help you unwind
So ditch the usual tourist traps, leave Netflix behind and explore a different side of Bristol – with our diverse range of workshops, you can transform your downtime into a haven of relaxation and creativity! Explore calming crafts, connect with nature, and discover the joy of mindful activities – you’ll be feeling your best self again in no time. Browse our list of the best activities in Bristol today and curate your own peaceful escape in the heart of the city – slow down and find your moment of zen!
Runs regularly
Bristol
1 to 4 guests
£50 - £295
5 years in business
