By Amy BrownIn this story:
Stuck searching for things to do with Dad on Father’s Day this year? We’ve got just the suggestions if you’re looking to switch it up this year, with our vibrant range of Father’s Day gift ideas in London.
No matter what kind of celebration you’re planning, we’ve got the loveliest experiences you can do together – for the family, or for just you and your pops. London’s creative scene is packed with memorable workshops and experiences to turn another Sunday into a perfect memory.
Why doing something together beats another gift
Father’s Day rolls around every year, and there’s always the usual go-to gifts we grab from the shop at the last minute. But if he has enough ‘best Dad’ mugs, it might be the right time to change things up! Why experience gifts are the best choice:
- You get quality time together. No distractions, no scrolling – real time spent side-by-side.
- You'll make memories, not clutter. Experiences tend to stay with us much longer than material gifts.
- There's something for every type of dad. Whether he's a foodie, a maker, or someone who loves learning new skills – we’ve got something for him.
- Many workshops include a keepsake. From pottery and woodworking to cooking and photography, you'll often leave with something handmade to remember the day.
- No experience is needed. Most classes are designed for complete beginners, so you can learn together from the very start.
- It feels more personal. Choosing an activity based on Dad's interests shows thought and effort in a way that a last-minute gift rarely can.
For the dad who’s always got a project on the go
If your dad is at his happiest when he’s building, fixing or making something from scratch, a practical workshop will make his year. And even if it’s not your favourite thing in the world, going along with him will be the loveliest Father’s Day gift of them all.
You’ll learn a handy new skill together, and leave with something you’ve made yourselves!
A crafty woodworking workshop
- Try this charcuterie board woodworking class in Harlesden – craft your own boards together from scratch, ready for your next family dinner!
Give him the chance to learn a new skill or rekindle an old hobby, and take something home to show for it. That beats the usual pub lunch any day.
A vibrant glassblowing experience
- Try this glassblowing workshop in Stoke Newington – shape glass into unique pieces and try your hand at an ancient craft.
If he loves to try new things, this will hit the mark – and you’ll walk away with a project like a paperweight, bauble or a bowl – handcrafted together!
They loved it and we think you will too:
“My dad and I had such a brilliant afternoon. Emily, Shannon and Dexter couldn’t have been more welcoming and their knowledge and skills were incredible. They went above and beyond to accommodate me and my disability, and made the whole afternoon stress free and enjoyable. Couldn’t recommend this course more highly, such a cool skill to learn, in a safe, cosy and welcoming environment.” - Hannah Green, glassblowing workshop.
For the dad who loves food and drink
If he’s less handy and more of a foodie, a cooking experience will make him the happiest – because he’ll know you’ve really thought about him. This is a great choice for a full family day out, but works just as sweet for a dad-daughter/son day.
Let food bring you together, learn some fun new skills and taste lots of delicious dishes along the way!
A tasty Italian cooking class
- Try this ultimate pasta making experience in Canning Town for an immersive Italian cooking experience.
You can’t go wrong with Italian food! If you’ve been wondering what to do for Father’s Day instead of the usual meal out, make the swap and get cooking side-by-side.
A sweet baking workshop
- Give this doughnut making class in Wandsworth a go – master this delicious treat together with all the best fillings from jam to custard.
If he’s more of a sweet tooth, he’ll love the chance to perfect his skills while spending real quality time with you. The recipe for the sweetest Father’s Day ever!
They loved it and we think you will too:
“What a fantastic experience. Davide was an excellent teacher in a very relaxed environment. The food was simple to make with the techniques that he showed us, but absolutely delicious! Highly recommended.” - Richard Gough, the ultimate pasta making experience.
For the dad with a creative side
Not every dad spends weekends in the shed or the kitchen. Some are artists, gardeners or simply enjoy trying new things instead of sticking to one hobby. Creative workshops can be one of the loveliest things to do with Dad on Father’s Day.
You’ll both have the chance to be present in the moment, and have something handmade to show for it!
A unique kintsugi class
- Try this kintsugi workshop in Battersea – piece together broken ceramics using vibrant gold to highlight the imperfections.
If he’s always trying the next new craft, he’ll adore the chance to give this Japanese tradition a go – and you’ll both work on meaningful, personalised pieces to remember this Father’s Day by!
A fun screen printing workshop
- Give this screen printing class in Hackney a go – learn the ins and outs of this printing style and work on pieces of original art together.
You’ll have the unique chance to get crafty side-by-side, with plenty of time to learn, chat and connect over your creativity. And every time he looks at his original prints, he’ll think of you.
They loved it and we think you will too:
“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 and friendly. I would highly recommend and would love to go back to do another workshop!” - Tilly Elcock, screen printing class.
Quick guide: matching the experience to your dad
| If your dad is... | The perfect activity | London location | What you’ll take home |
|
The handy maker (Always fixing or building things) |
Woodworking workshop | Harlesden | A custom handmade charcuterie board |
|
The adventurous thinker (Loves old-fashioned crafts) |
Glassblowing experience | Stoke Newington | A unique glass paperweight, bauble, or bowl |
|
The home chef (Obsessed with cooking) |
Italian pasta making | Canning Town | Authentic pasta-making skills (and a full stomach!) |
|
The sweet tooth (Happiest in the bakery section) |
Doughnut making class | Wandsworth | A box of custom-made gourmet doughnuts |
|
The philosopher (Appreciates history and detail) |
Kintsugi class | Battersea | A beautiful ceramic piece repaired with gold |
|
The artist (Loves design, music, or art) |
Screen Printing class | Hackney | Original, custom-printed pieces of artwork |
How to make it a proper Father's Day
Booking a workshop is a great start, but a few small touches can turn it into a full day he'll genuinely remember.
- Start with breakfast together. Make a morning of it before heading to your workshop.
- Plan something nearby afterwards. A walk, a coffee stop, or lunch nearby helps turn the experience into a proper day out.
- Take photos throughout the day. You'll be glad you did when you're looking back on it next year!
- Think about his personality first. The best Father's Day experience isn't necessarily the most expensive, it's the one that’s tailored to him.
- Wrap the booking like a gift. Even if you're attending together, presenting the experience properly makes it feel special.
- Choose something with a keepsake. A tangible memory of the day will go a long way!
The secret to a great Father's Day isn't planning the busiest day possible, it's creating an experience that feels personal.
Get Father's Day right this year
Finding meaningful things to do with Dad on Father's Day doesn't have to be difficult. Whether he's happiest making something with his hands, discovering a new favourite dish, or exploring his creative side, there's an experience in London that’ll hit the mark perfectly.
And you’ll both get something out of it – a keepsake, new skills and a memory of spending real time together. So if you’re still brainstorming what to do for Father’s Day in London, make the swap to something you can do together. Help him feel cherished and find the perfect experience today!
Runs regularly
Nine Elms
1 to 65 guests
6 years in business
