The 8 Workshops & Classes in Britain That Earn Their Price

1.Traditional English Scone Making and Tea Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 702 reviews · from $45Our pick

At De Hems Dutch Cafe Bar in central London, an English-speaking instructor guides you through four traditional scones, tea, baking tips, and the jam-versus-clotted-cream debate. You eat one warm, take three home, and receive a We Are London certificate. Arrive 10 minutes early. Late arrivals over five minutes cannot join.

“Went to this scone making activity with my daughter Gemma on Mothers Day. The activity was fun and lighthearted. Lovely group of participants and cups of English tea throughout the experience. The scones we made were delicious especially with jam & clotted cream! Our guide Danni was so warm & welcoming. Very informative about the history of scones and English tea and their connection to the Royal family! I would encourage anyone to give this experience a go as it’s relaxing, rewarding, get to meet interesting people and you have something delicious to enjoy after an hour! Also the certificate of your achievement is a nice touch and you get…”

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2.Surf Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 349 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $62

Meet Quiksilver Surf School at The Esplanade Hotel for a two-hour beginner lesson at Fistral Beach. Your session covers beach safety, warm-ups, paddling, wave timing, board control, and several ways to stand. Boards, wetsuits, lockers, changing rooms, and hot showers are included. Instructors such as Jake, Joe, Kyle, Ewan, Martha, and Bertie teach in groups of up to eight.

“Kyle was a great teacher, relaxed, loves surfing and made me feel at ease. Fistral beach was the ideal location with perfect waves. The surf school is a few steps away, with facilities to put on the wetsuit, showers, lockers, etc. The style of teaching is understandable and broken down into 2 sets of learnings. I ended up standing up on the board and I'm in my late 40s :) Nervous at the start, but finished with a constant big smile on my face throughout the session. Thank you Kyle.”

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3.East End Street Art Tour and Spray Painting Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 297 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $50

Walk through Shoreditch and Whitechapel with guides such as Laura, Eva, Josh, Ava, and Natalie, hearing the stories behind works by Banksy, ROA, Invader, Stik, and others. After about two hours on foot, create a stencil or freehand piece during a 45-minute spray-paint workshop and take your artwork home.

“The whole event was fantastic and our guide was delightful and full of knowledge and encouragement , the best experience!”

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4.Half-Day Street Art Tour and Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 172 reviews · 4 hours · from $60

Walk through Spitalfields, Brick Lane, and nearby East End streets with an active street artist guide, spotting work by Banksy, ROA, Invader, Shepard Fairey, Eine, Stik, and others. After a short break, create a stencil from your own image or use the studio designs, then practice spray-painting with friendly tutors. No art experience is needed.

“Our tour guide, Emilie, was really knowledgeable and engaging during the guided walk and super helpful during the workshop. We all (3 adults and 5 teenagers) had a fabulous time. Thank you !!”

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5.Traditional Scone Making Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 129 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $80

In a 1.5-hour workshop in Balham, you’ll make scones from scratch with bakers such as JoJo, Lola, or Dora. Pick classic, cheese, or sultana, follow each step yourself, then sit down with tea, jam, and clotted cream. You’ll also leave with a generous batch for later.

“We had a great time making scones! We were able to choose what type of scones to make, and were offered tea and hot chicken! Jo Jo was warm and welcoming. I definitely recommend.”

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6.Silver Ring Workshop in Kent, England

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $131

Join silversmith Annie in her Canterbury studio for a private two to three hour beginner workshop. You will measure your finger, shape and texture silver, use a torch for annealing and soldering, then file and polish your ring. Coffee, tea, and an apron are included, but silver costs an extra £10 to £30 per ring.

“What a great idea for an activity in Canterbury! My wife and I never really liked our wedding rings, so we decided that these would be our new wedding rings since we were able to make them together. Annie was very patient and took as much time as we needed to make them just how we wanted and to understand each step in the process and why it was necessary. It was well worth the cost for this special experience.”

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7.Taster Surfing Lesson in Bude

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $62

Meet Freewave Surf Academy at Widemouth Bay for a two-hour beginner lesson in Cornwall. You’ll get a fitted wetsuit and board, learn beach safety and basic technique, then practice in the waves with a group of no more than six. Instructors including Marco, Reuben, Sally, and Robin work with children, teens, and adults.

“Our boys and thier cousins had 3 fantastic surf lessons with Sally at Freewave. Due to flat waves they also did a costeering experience with Glyn, which was thrilling and they even saw a seal. The communication with the academy was clear and timely, giving us options as the weather changed. The boys improved quickly and really enjoyed the experience. I would highly recommend - lovely instructors and great fun!”

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8.Edinburgh Photography Masterclass – Private Photography Lesson

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $191

Meet your professional photographer at 43 Leith Street for a private three-hour lesson shaped around your skill level and goals. With guides such as Martin Smith, you will work on composition, camera settings, low-light technique, light painting, flash, and long exposures while photographing Edinburgh at golden hour and after dark. Bring your own camera; tripods can be rented.

“Martin was a pleasure to work with. He took me to some excellent vantage points and helped with my creative style which was appreciative. Although it was raining off and on we were able to get some exceptional pictures!”

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