London is a city of endless contrasts and creativity, making it an ideal place to take part in hands-on workshops and classes. Whether you’re eager to create art, learn culinary skills, or explore London’s literary scene, there’s something here for every curious traveler. We especially love the East End Street Art Tour and Spray Painting Workshop for its vibrant street art experience, and the Traditional Scone Making Workshop for a taste of classic English baking. These immersive experiences give you a real connection to the city’s culture and craftsmanship.
London’s workshops span a broad range—from visual arts and culinary delights to literary pursuits and traditional crafts. If you’re looking to get your hands dirty (or your apron on), this list highlights some of the best options, complete with what makes each unique. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions to help you choose the perfect experience.
1. London: East End Street Art Tour and Spray Painting Workshop
At number 1, this tour combines a guided walk through East London’s famous street art scene with a hands-on spray-painting workshop. During the 3 to 4-hour experience, you’ll explore vibrantly colored streets and see works from artists worldwide, learning about the history and culture behind London’s street art. The tour is led by an expert guide who shares fascinating insights into the evolution of urban art. Afterward, you’ll get to create your own spray-painted masterpiece in a dedicated workshop space, guided by a local artist. The reviews rave about the passionate guides and the chance to make art you can take home. This experience is perfect for art lovers who want an authentic, interactive glimpse into London’s edgy art scene.
Bottom Line: An engaging combination of exploration and creativity, suitable for anyone interested in street art or hands-on artistic projects.
2. London: Half-Day Street Art Tour and Workshop
Second on our list is a 4-hour tour that blends a walk among iconic street art with a practical workshop. Starting with a guided tour of East London’s most impressive murals and stencils, you’ll get a close-up look at works by Banksy, ROA, and Shepard Fairey. The tour then shifts into a creative session where you’ll design your own stencil, practicing spray-paint techniques with the help of talented tutors. The guides are active street artists themselves, making this a rich, educational experience that combines visual appreciation with skill-building. Reviewers mention how passionate and knowledgeable Josh is, making it both fun and informative. Perfect for those wanting a concentrated dose of London’s street art and a chance to create their own piece.
Bottom Line: Ideal for art enthusiasts and families, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to street art techniques with a vibrant, creative atmosphere.
3. London: Traditional Scone Making Workshop
Number 3 is a lively, interactive baking class in Clapham where you’ll learn how to make fluffy, buttery scones from scratch. Over 2.5 hours, your host Jojo shares her secrets to perfect scones—whether classic, cheese, or sultana—plus tips on baking techniques. After mixing, kneading, and shaping, you’ll enjoy your freshly baked scones with jam and cream, sitting down to a satisfying treat. You’ll also leave with recipes and enough scones to share with friends later. The reviews praise Jojo’s friendly teaching style and the cozy kitchen atmosphere. This class is perfect for families, couples, or anyone eager to master a beloved British tradition.
Bottom Line: Delicious, approachable, and great for all ages, this workshop offers a tasty taste of British baking with lasting memories.
4. London: Traditional Pork Pie Cookery Class
At number 4, you can learn to craft fabulous pork pies with chef JoJo. This 3-hour class features an upbeat, interactive style, focusing on classic English cookery. You’ll get to prepare and fill your own pies from scratch, with all ingredients and equipment provided. Participants rave about JoJo’s friendly guidance and her 20-plus years of teaching experience. After baking, you’ll take home your creations, ready to impress friends or enjoy for yourself. It’s a hands-on experience that delves into traditional British comfort food, perfect for foodies who want to learn a new skill or add a special dish to their repertoire.
Bottom Line: Well-loved for its friendly atmosphere and authentic recipes, this class suits anyone eager to learn a traditional British craft.
5. London: Pizza Making Cookery Class
Number 5 offers a fun, lively pizza-making session in Clapham. Over 2.5 hours, you’ll learn how to make pizza dough from scratch and top it with your favorite ingredients, all guided by a chef with 20 years of experience. The class is interactive, with all supplies included, and you get to take your homemade pizza home. The reviews highlight Dora’s hospitality and the delicious results. This experience is perfect for friends, couples, or families who want a relaxed, social cooking session with a tasty reward at the end.
Bottom Line: A joyful, hands-on class that makes a great casual activity for food lovers and social groups.
6. London: French Macaron Workshop in London
For around 3 hours, you can master the art of French macarons in this charming workshop. Led by an expert instructor, you’ll learn how to make these delicate cookies, including tips on perfecting the shell and filling. The instructor is patient and reassuring, taking the fear out of macaron baking. You’ll leave with a box of your own beautifully crafted macarons. Whether you’re celebrating or just love French desserts, this class is an ideal way to indulge in a touch of Parisian elegance in London. Reviewers mention how fun and rewarding the process is with Jojo’s guidance.
Bottom Line: Perfect for sweet tooths and those wanting a sophisticated baking skill, this workshop offers tangible, delicious results.
7. Woolf & Dickens: London Literary Tour & Writing Workshop
Number 7 takes you into London’s literary world with a 1.5-hour tour and writing session. Led by a published novelist, the tour visits landmarks associated with Virginia Woolf, Charles Dickens, and others. You’ll read passages, absorb the atmosphere of literary London, and then try your hand at writing inspired by the surroundings. The focus is on engaging with the city through both sight and words. Reviewers appreciate Joseph’s passionate storytelling and the stimulating prompts that spark creativity. This experience suits literature lovers and writers eager for inspiration in a historic setting.
Bottom Line: A creative blend of sightseeing and writing, ideal for bookworms and aspiring authors.
8. London: Chocolate Truffle-Making Workshop
Number 8 invites you to craft your own chocolate truffles from scratch in a 2.5-hour class. Under the guidance of a friendly instructor, you will learn how to create the perfect ganache, shape the chocolates, and dust them in cocoa. You can bring your own drinks, making this a relaxed, indulgent experience. The review highlights how fun it is to make and take home multiple truffles. This class suits chocolate lovers of all ages and is a sweet way to learn a new skill while enjoying some tasty treats.
Bottom Line: A delightful hands-on experience, especially for those with a sweet tooth and a sense of humor.
9. London: Acrylic Painting Taster Class with Materials
Number 9 is a 2-hour intro at Sunny Art Academy designed for beginners. You’ll learn basic acrylic techniques, color mixing, and composition while working on a subject of your choice. The small class size ensures personalized guidance from an instructor with a decade of experience. It’s perfect if you’re curious about painting or want to try a new creative outlet in a relaxed setting. The review notes the studio tour and supportive environment as highlights.
Bottom Line: A low-pressure, beginner-friendly way to explore acrylics and boost your confidence in painting.
10. London: Blake & Defoe’s London: Literary Tour & Writing Workshop
Number 10 offers a 1.5-hour literary journey led by an award-winning novelist. You’ll visit William Blake’s grave, explore the streets associated with Daniel Defoe, and respond to poetic prompts inspired by the city. This tour combines a deep dive into London’s poetic and literary landscape with creative writing exercises designed to inspire. Reviewers praise the insightful narration and the stimulating prompts. It’s perfect for literature fans who want to connect with London’s poetic past while sharpening their writing skills.
Bottom Line: A thoughtful, inspiring experience for writers and literature enthusiasts alike.
11. Covent Garden: Drawing Class with a Professional Artist
Number 11 is a 2-hour drawing session led by a professional artist. You’ll learn foundational drawing skills, get personalized feedback, and work on a subject of your choosing. The class is small, making it easy to get one-on-one guidance from tutors trained at top art schools. This class is particularly well-suited for beginners or those wanting to refine their skills with expert advice in a relaxed environment.
Bottom Line: A practical introduction to drawing that’s perfect for aspiring artists or travelers eager to improve their sketching.
12. London: Christmas Lights Tour with Santa & Cookies Workshop
Number 12 offers a festive experience that combines sightseeing with holiday cheer. A vintage bus takes you through London’s beautifully lit streets, ending in Covent Garden’s Christmas tree. Along the way, you meet Santa and participate in a cookies workshop. This tour stands out for its seasonal magic and family-friendly vibe, ideal if you’re visiting during the holiday season and want a cozy, memorable experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families and Christmas lovers who want a festive tour with sweet treats and Santa.
13. London: Cooking Class and British Royal Tasting Menu Dinner
Number 13 is a special culinary experience, where you learn to cook Royal-style dishes followed by a 4-course dinner. Led by a chef connected to the Royal Family, this class offers a peek into elegant British cuisine. With a maximum of 6 guests, it’s intimate and personalized. Reviewers enjoy the chance to cook and dine on dishes inspired by the Royal menu, making it a unique, high-end experience.
Bottom Line: A rare opportunity for foodies to cook and taste authentic British royal favorites in a cozy setting.
14. London: Cooking Class & Local 7 Course Tasting Dinner
Number 14 combines a home-style cooking class with a 7-course tasting dinner in an authentic Edwardian house. You learn three local dishes, then sit down to enjoy a story-rich meal. This family-friendly experience emphasizes local tradition and offers a genuine, intimate setting away from tourist spots.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those seeking a genuine, homey London culinary experience with a storytelling twist.
15. London: Dim Sum and Bao Cooking Class with Wine
Closing out our list, this 3-hour class teaches you to make dim sum and bao from scratch with authentic techniques. You’ll learn wrapping and folding skills, seasoning secrets, and enjoy a glass of wine while cooking. You’ll take home your leftovers and recipes, making this a practical choice for fans of Chinese cuisine eager to recreate these dishes at home.
Bottom Line: A fun, flavorful class ideal for lovers of Asian food who want to master the art of dumplings and buns.
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class
Choosing among these options depends on your interests, budget, and available time. If street art excites you, the East End Street Art Tour offers an authentic look and a creative outlet. For food lovers, the Scone, Pork Pie, or Dim Sum classes provide delicious skills and a taste of British or Chinese cuisine.
If you’re intrigued by London’s literary heritage, the Woolf & Dickens or Blake & Defoe tours are perfect for combining sightseeing with a writing exercise.
Consider your budget—some experiences, like the Royal Tasting Menu Dinner, offer a more luxurious, intimate setting, while others like painting are more casual and accessible. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular classes or holiday-themed tours.
Final Thoughts
London’s workshops and classes cater to all sorts of interests—from the arts and culinary traditions to literature and festive celebrations. If you’re a creative soul, options like street art tours or painting classes inspire and entertain. Foodies will appreciate the chance to master British classics or Asian delicacies, while literary lovers can connect with London’s storied past through guided tours and writing exercises.
The best choice depends on your passions and schedule, but rest assured, early booking ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, deepen your appreciation for London’s culture, or just enjoy a fun day out, these workshops promise a rewarding way to engage with the city.