Classes & Workshops

With two great universities and an abundance of independent businesses providing creative courses, Nottinghamshire is the ideal place to come and do a workshop or short course.

More and more people are swapping up holidays of relaxation and adventure for trips that expand their creativity and knowledge. So, if you’d prefer to return home with some fantastic new skills rather than souvenirs or a suntan, check out some of the excellent classes, workshops and short courses below. There’s a big variety, from learning the art of the perfect coffee, to dancing, drawing, or designing your own jewellery.

Scroll down to see the full list of workshops and classes coming up or click the links below to see what a specific business is currently offering.

Foodie Courses

If you’re a foodie, you’re in luck - you can learn just about anything in Nottinghamshire thanks to the wealth of specialist independent food businesses around the county.

In the hustle and bustle of the city, over at Sneinton Market you can get delectable dairy-free bars of artisan confectionary at Luisa’s Vegan Chocolates. This independent one-woman show whips up bean-to-bar delights, whilst also providing special tasting events where you can learn about the history and process of chocolate making whilst enjoying a glass of fizz and divine chocolatey treats.

Another homegrown local producer of enticing sustenance is 200 Degrees Coffee, who after 8 years in the business have now opened stores around the country. At their Barista School you can learn how to make a superb homebrew, perfect the craft of latte art and lots more.

Boozy Courses

Perhaps you want to impress your friends with an exquisitely prepared cocktail, learn the intricacies of your favourite tipple, or simply have a merry night out with mates. In any case, there’s a host of tastings, classes and experiences around Nottinghamshire to wet your whistle.

Wine lovers should check out the Vineyard Experiences at Hanwell Wine Estate, where you can tour the vineyard and taste the English sparkling wines made on the estate. You can also head to Weavers in the city centre; a family business that has been operating for over 170 years and hosts tastings in their fascinating Georgian townhouse.

Gin lovers can see the process of distilling first hand by booking a tasting at Sneinton Market’s Redsmith Distillery, home to the award-winning Redsmith London Dry Gin as well as other fabulous gin creations. If whisky is more your tipple, Gauntleys Fine Wine, Whisky and Cigar Merchants hold tasting events throughout the year.

Arts & Crafts

Nottingham has a buzzing creative scene, reflected in some of the independent businesses that hold creative events and workshops.

Debbie Bryan in The Lace Market and Ruddington Village is always a delightful place to visit, and along with being an award-winning shop, this in-house design studio, creative space and award winning tea room hosts crafternoons, workshops and other events throughout the year. Learn crafts including wirework, textiles, lino printing and lots more while enjoying tea, cake and beautifully inspiring surroundings.

For anyone interested in making their own jewellery, there is no better destination than The Bead Shop. Along with sessions dedicated to silver smithing and beaded jewellery, they often host classes on crafts such as macramé or coaster making, and you can also book children’s parties, hen parties and team-building workshops tailored to suit your needs.

There are even more creative workshops available at the Hanwell Wine Estate, where their Rural Antics courses cover a diverse range of crafts including book-binding, stained glass, oil painting, illustration and embroidery, all taught in a beautiful countryside setting.

Get Active

Not only is it much easier to get into exercise when you have a regular class to attend, they are also a great place to socialise, have fun, and up your ability. One of our favourite options is Schuggies Ceilidhs, whose friendly, jovial evenings of traditional Irish and Scottish dancing often include a live band and easy to follow steps.

If you've always wanted to dabble in watersports look no further than Holme Pierrepont Country Park, Home of the National Water Sports Centre. They offer a range of courses, classes, memberships and events for you to learn the likes of British Canoeing, Safety and Rescue Courses and Paddlesport. 

The National Ice Centre offers courses throughout the year including normal Skating Lessons and their popular Intensive Skating Courses which fits their six-week skating course into just three days. Skate hire is included in the price of the lessons, so you can learn at the home of Olympic Ice-Skating legends Torvill & Dean! Their courses are designed for people of all ages. They also have Ice Hockey lessons, Ice Clubs and Speed Skating lessons available on their website.

Nottingham Trent University Short Courses

Each summer, Nottingham Trent University provide a range of professional short courses to help you expand your skills, create a portfolio, or get the wheels rolling for a career change. Named University of the Year 2019 in the Guardian University Awards, you are ensured top quality teaching and a vast range of courses, including fashion design, architecture, photography or creative fiction writing.

Children’s Courses

Kids love learning new things outside of school, so whether you are wanting to get them into a new hobby or just looking for a way to keep them entertained, it's worth checking out some of the courses and classes available.

Get curious about science and creativity at Green’s Windmill and Science Centre. During school holidays they hold a variety of children’s workshops, which include topics from baking to science.

If your child is more of an arty type, Nottingham galleries or workshops at New Art Exchange, Lakeside Arts and Nottingham Contemporary all hold sessions for children or families at the weekend and school holidays where you can get hands-on with different creative mediums.

The National Justice Museum host a series of Make It Yours workshops for children. Their creative sessions are free and open to all. Join them to make and create together and contribute to the growing museum! The sessions will be led by artists, makers, and writers, all influenced by this unique museum.