Spring into 2026 with our new season of Creative Learning, and enjoy a wonderful array of artistic opportunities designed to spark fresh ideas and creative thinking.
Explore creative writing, visual arts, photography, dance, theatre, and film, and enjoy a host of new courses, from stone carving and kinetic sculpture to darkroom processes, mosaic art, and line-hatching. With expert tutors and a welcoming atmosphere, our classes provide an opportunity to develop new skills, meet like-minded individuals, and let your imagination flourish.
On sale now!
Inspire Your Imagination
Explore creativity through storytelling and image-making with our writing and photography courses. From crafting fiction to discovering the magic of the darkroom, there’s something to spark every imagination. Whether you’re just starting or looking to expand your practice, these sessions offer a welcoming space to learn, experiment, and bring your ideas to life.
Crafting Fiction
13 January | 6.30pm-8.30pm | £195 | 10 wks | 18+ | Tutor Simon Sylvester
Discover your voice in this welcoming creative writing course, perfect for both beginners and experienced writers. Explore storytelling techniques and experiment with new ideas. Guided by award-winning author and performer Simon Sylvester, this course offers a lively, encouraging space to spark imagination and grow as a writer.
Learning the language of the Dark Room
Discover the magic of the Darkroom through our experimental photography workshops and expand your practice with our membership. Join us to explore hands-on analogue processes that reveal the mystery behind image-making. A “wonderful resource in an excellent organisation” — come and try our facilities for yourself!
Dark Room Access & Tutor Support
22 Jan, 5 & 26 Feb, 12 & 26 Mar | 6.30-9.30pm | £75 | 5 wks | £15 PAYG | 18+ | Tutor Liam Collins
Become the Camera: Camera-less Photography & The Magic of the Dark Room
14 March | 11.15am-4.30pm | £25pp | Family Workshop (10+ with accompanying adult/carer) | Tutors Russell Colman & Helena McGregor
New for Spring 2026!
Exhibition Workshops
Join Kendal-based artist, Lela Harris, for workshops inspired by the themes and techniques of their solo exhibition, Held (6 February – 2 May).
Held in Nature: Family Workshop
14 February | 11.15am-12.45pm | £8pp | 5+ with accompanying adult/carer
Explore collaborative collage painting inspired by nature in this fun and relaxed session. You will also have the opportunity to create work to take home!
Held in Ink: Adult Workshop
14 February | 1.30-5.30pm | £66 | 16+
Learn how to infuse narrative storytelling into your work whilst developing your drawing and painting skills in this nature-inspired ink collage workshop. Lela will be sharing their creative tips on light and composition, as well as providing guidance on selecting good photo references.
Seasonal Highlights!
Explore and experiment across a range of seasonal workshops. These hands-on, creative sessions offer an insight into the unique practices and processes of our expert local artists.
Painting Figures in Watercolour
7 February | 11.30am – 5pm £65 | 16+ | Tutor Catherine MacDiarmid
Lino Cut Botanicals
7 March 12-5pm | £66 | 18+ Tutor Caroline Stow
Slate Carving with Danny Clahane
14 March | 11.30am-5pm | £66 | 18+
Line Hatching with Hideyuki Sobue
21 March | 1-5pm | £66 | 18+
Mosaic Art
21 March | 11.30am-5pm | £80 | 18+ | Tutor Helen Clues
Stained Glass Flowers
28 March | 12-4pm | £50 | 18+ | Tutor Sarah Walkley
Youth Arts Highlights
Our new and returning Youth Arts courses offer a vibrant mix of Visual Arts, Dance, Film and Theatre – all led by passionate local artists and tutors. In our Visual Arts classes, young people can explore a wide range of materials and techniques, including drawing, painting, printmaking and clay.
In Youth Dance and Theatre, they’ll build confidence and express themselves while developing new skills in a fun and supportive environment. We provide a safe space where young people are encouraged to come as they are…
Mini Movers | 0-4 years
15 January | 11.30am-12.30pm | £65 (10wks) | £35 (5wks) | Tutor Kate Battersby
Stage Stars | 4-6 years
15 January | 4-4.45pm | £65 | 10wks | Tutor Emily Davies
Art Explorers (Home Ed. 7+)
13 January | 1-2.30pm | £70 | £7.50 PAYG | Tutor Sophie Martin
Mixed media class for home-educated young people, encouraging creative expression in a relaxed, supportive space.
View all Creative Learning courses and book your place here.
