In this story:
- Why Dad doesn't need to be creative to enjoy a creative class
- 1. Go on a screen printing adventure in Hackney
- 2. Craft pizza perfection in Canary Wharf
- 3. Discover block printing in Battersea
- 4. Go on a watercolour escape in Wimbledon
- 5. Explore the art of mending with gold in Aldgate
- 6. Create calm with candle making in Shoreditch
- Find the perfect ways to treat Dad
Are you on the hunt for brilliant gift experiences for Dad in London that go way beyond the usual? Well, you've come to the right place! At ClassBento, we know that the best ways to treat Dad are with those things that create lasting memories, spark new passions, and offer genuine fun (clue: not more socks!). So, we've listened to what our lovely customers are raving about and curated a list of top-rated, hands-on Dad-friendly gifts right here in the capital. Get ready to discover why these London workshops are consistently recommended for making dads smile!
Why Dad doesn't need to be creative to enjoy a creative class
Think your dad needs to be the next Da Vinci or a master craftsman to enjoy a hands-on workshop? Think again! At ClassBento, we firmly believe that creativity isn't a exclusive club – it’s just about having a go and having a brilliant time doing it. In fact, some of the best experiences are had by the dads who haven't picked up a paintbrush or a lump of clay since their school days!
If he’s the type to claim he "doesn't have a creative bone in his body," here is exactly why he will absolutely thrive at a creative class on his special day:
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It’s all about the process, not perfection: Our workshops completely ditch the pressure – there are no grades or judgments here! The goal is simply to play, experiment, and enjoy the time spent making something from scratch, making it the ultimate stress-busting escape.
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Expert makers have his back every step of the way: He won't be left staring at a blank canvas or a lump of dough wondering what to do. Every class is led by a friendly, passionate local expert who will break down the techniques into simple, bite-sized steps. He'll have all the support he needs to build his confidence instantly.
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The tools and materials do the heavy lifting: Sometimes the magic is all in the medium! Whether it's the satisfying rhythm of a traditional printing press, the heavenly scent of blending essential oils, or the chemistry of mixing glazes, the tools themselves make the process engaging, straightforward, and satisfyingly tactile.
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It’s a brilliant way to try a brand-new hobby: If he loves problem-solving, fixing things around the house, or understanding how things work, a creative class feeds that exact same curiosity. It’s just a fresh, exciting playground for his logical brain to figure out a new skill while having a chat and a laugh!
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He’ll leave with a cool keepsake (and bragging rights!): Even if he walks in a total novice, the structured nature of our classes mean he’ll walk out with a finished product he can genuinely be proud of. There is nothing quite like the pride of displaying a custom piece of pottery, a hand-poured candle, or screen-printed artwork and saying, "Yeah, I made that!"
1. Go on a screen printing adventure in Hackney
For the dad with a creative streak or a love for unique design, a screen printing workshop in London is a fantastic choice for an arty experience. This dynamic workshop invites him to delve into the exciting world of screen printing, where he'll learn how to translate his own ideas (or pre-designed images!) onto fabric or paper.
What he’ll love about screen printing:
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Expert guidance in top studios: A skilled instructor will lead him through a lively London studio, teaching him how to create stencils, mix vibrant inks, and master the printing press.
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A tactile digital detox: It’ll get him away from screens and fully immersed in a new craft – perfect if he's usually stuck in an office!
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Unique, cool keepsakes: He will leave with a completely custom creation, whether that’s a bespoke t-shirt, a stylish tote bag, or a brilliant piece of wall art to show off at home.
You told us:
"I got this as a gift for my dad and we had the best time! We did the screen printing process from start to finish - even showing us how to change images in photoshop to create a usable image for the screen. Our teachers were great, very enthusiastic & friendly. I would highly recommend it and would love to go back to do another workshop!" Tilly Elcock, Screen printing workshop, Hackney
2. Craft pizza perfection in Canary Wharf
Does your dad love pizza, or perhaps he's always wanted to master the art of Italian cooking? Then a traditional pizza making workshop will definitely make his day – from pizzerias in Peckham to restaurants in Richmond, he can learn to toss that dough like a pro!
What he’ll love about pizza making
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Master the art of the pizzaiolo: He'll get happily stuck into the heart of Italian cooking, learning the secrets to kneading perfect dough and creating crispy, chewy crusts.
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Expert culinary guidance: Guided by a professional Italian chef, he will learn how to craft amazing sauces and perfectly balance gourmet toppings.
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Pure, interactive indulgence: This isn't just a standard cooking class – it’s a flavour-filled journey that combines skill-building with fun.
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A delicious reward: The absolute best part of the experience is sitting down to eat his own mouth-watering creations fresh from the oven!
You told us:
"I got this for my dad as a Christmas present with my sister and we all absolutely loved it!" Michaela Savatteri, Dough it yourself pizza masterclass, Canary Wharf
3. Discover block printing in Battersea
For the dad who appreciates art, design, and the magic of creation, a printmaking class in the city makes for a genuinely engaging experience. This workshop invites him into the fascinating world of printmaking, where he can explore techniques like linocut, drypoint, or monoprinting. He'll learn how to transfer designs, prepare plates or blocks, and use presses to create unique artistic impressions.
What he’ll love about block printing
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Lots to learn: He’ll uncover the secrets of transferring intricate designs, carving blocks, preparing plates, and operating traditional printing presses.
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Mindful focus and planning: The process perfectly combines careful, creative design work with hands-on crafting, making it a great way to switch off and unwind.
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Art that lasts a lifetime: He'll head home with a collection of lovely artwork that he can proudly frame and display on the wall at home.
You told us:
"I took my dad to this as his 70th birthday present as he’s always wanted to try lino printing, and we both absolutely loved it. The teacher was fantastic and gave really clear instructions, regularly checked in with everyone in the class, and let us experiment with multiple prints. It was a lovely environment and we were both really happy with our prints which we were able to take home. I’d definitely recommend this and thought it was excellent value for money and a really fun and unique way to spend an afternoon." Katie Scott-Marshall, Introductory printmaking class, Battersea
4. Go on a watercolour escape in Wimbledon
Is your dad a secret artist waiting to be discovered, or just someone who appreciates a little calm creativity? Then he’ll love a watercolour painting class! Watercolour is renowned for its tranquility and soothing nature, making it ideal for capturing light and soft colours.
What he’ll love about watercolour painting
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No pressure for perfection: He'll learn essential techniques like mixing vibrant shades, creating lovely washes, and building delicate layers in a supportive, stress-free space.
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Mindful focus on the process: The workshop focuses purely on the joy of applying brush to paper, helping him gently unwind and quieten a busy mind.
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Ethereal artwork to take home: He'll finish the session with a lovely new skill and a beautiful, soft painting to take home.
You told us:
"Really fun class – had a lovely time with my dad, it really built up his confidence painting. Our teacher Ishbel was lovely and very talented!" Katie Driver, Introductory watercolour painting class, Wimbledon
5. Explore the art of mending with gold in Aldgate
Looking for eco-friendly ways to treat Dad? If he's a zero-waste hero and fancies learning how to make something from nothing, a kintsugi pottery class is an absolute gem. This ancient Japanese art involves lovingly mending broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, magically transforming imperfections into shimmering lines of breathtaking beauty.
What he’ll love about kintsugi:
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A therapeutic process: The hands-on practice fosters patience and mindfulness, offering a relaxing space to slow down and find joy in the unexpected.
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An uplifting philosophy: He'll learn the profound meaning behind kintsugi – that breakages can make an object stronger and more beautiful – making it a truly inspiring experience.
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A unique, story-filled keepsake: He'll leave with a completely bespoke piece of repaired pottery to display proudly at home, loaded with personal meaning and creative history.
You told us:
"I brought my dad with me, who is a huge art and ceramics enthusiast – and he had the best time! This is my second class and I can truly say I enjoy each workshop more and more. I’m so thankful his class exists – wish there were more in west London too." Gabriella Caspi, Kintsugi pottery class for beginners, Aldgate
6. Create calm with candle making in Shoreditch
For a super sensory and calming experience, a candle making class is a brilliant choice if you’re looking for things to do with Dad in London. The process of crafting candles is incredibly soothing and utterly enjoyable, and involves choosing scents, melting wax, and lovingly pouring it into moulds or beautiful containers.
What he’ll love about candle making
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Custom scent creation: Dad can experiment with a wide array of gorgeous fragrances and essential oils to create a unique profile that completely suits his taste – from refreshing citrus to warming cedarwood.
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A tactile digital detox: Measuring ingredients, setting wicks, and working with rich scents provides a brilliant mental break from screens and daily routines.
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A lasting, fragrant reminder: He’ll head home with a beautiful bespoke candle, ready to light up his space and bring a tranquil, comforting atmosphere to his evenings.
You told us:
"I’ve had such a good time with my dad. I think this was the chillest way to spend Father’s Day doing something we both enjoy." Mayowa, Candle making class, Shoreditch
Find the perfect ways to treat Dad
| If your dad is... | He will love... | Why it’s the perfect match | What he’ll take home |
| A design lover or graphic enthusiast | Screen Printing | A vibrant, high-energy workshop where he can see his own custom designs or cool stencils instantly jump to life on fabric. | A bespoke custom t-shirt, stylish canvas tote bag, or a bold piece of wall art. |
| A foodie who loves to cook (and eat!) | Pizza Making | A fun and interactive masterclass with an expert Italian chef, combining skill-building with pure culinary indulgence. | The secrets to kneading the perfect dough, plus a full belly from eating his creations fresh from the oven! |
| A fan of traditional crafts or sketching | Block Printing | A tactile fine-art medium that combines careful design planning with satisfyingly physical work on traditional presses. | A collection of beautiful, unique artistic impressions ready to be framed and proudly displayed. |
| A secret artist who needs to unwind | Watercolour Painting | A peaceful, stress-free escape focused entirely on gentle self-expression and the mindful process of blending soft colours. | A lovely new artistic skill and a beautiful, ethereal painting to bring a touch of calm to his home walls. |
| A deep thinker who appreciates philosophy | Kintsugi Pottery | A therapeutic, inspiring workshop where he’ll learn the ancient Japanese art of transforming broken pottery with shimmering gold. | A stunning, story-filled piece of Kintsugi pottery that he has personally repaired and filled with meaning. |
| Someone who loves home comforts and relaxation | Candle Making | A soothing, multi-sensory digital detox where he can play with rich aromas and experiment with blending his own essential oils. | A set of premium, hand-poured bespoke candles designed to bring a tranquil, warming atmosphere to his evenings. |
These fun things for Dad to try, loved and recommended by people just like you, offer a brilliant way to celebrate the wonderful man in your life. Whether he's into art, food, or simply finding a moment of calm, there's a perfect workshop waiting for him in the capital. Choosing one of these brilliant ClassBento experiences is one of the best Dad gifts you can give, promising joy, learning, and unforgettable memories. Go on, make his day wonderfully unique!
Runs regularly
Nine Elms
1 to 65 guests
£36 - £40
12 years in business
