Learn Something New in North Wales This Year
Published on 24 Dec 2018 by Gwion LlwydNew Year energy doesn’t have to mean punishing gym sessions and heroic meal-prepping. One of the simplest ways to feel refreshed is to try something new – because novelty is genuinely good for the brain, and finishing a class (even if you’re proudly average at it) is a proper confidence boost.
So, if you fancy learning something new in North Wales this year, here are some brilliant options – hands-on, bookable, and ideal for turning a normal day out into something memorable.
Quick note: workshops and dates change seasonally, so always check the latest availability via the provider links.
Cookery classes & workshops at Bodnant Welsh Food (Conwy Valley)
If you’ve spent the last few years watching cooking shows and buying cookbooks you “will definitely use”, this is your sign. Bodnant Welsh Food runs bookable cookery courses (and other workshops too), designed to be relaxed and accessible – great for beginners and confident home cooks alike.
Good for: foodies, couples, rainy-day plans
Time: usually half-day / day
Tip: look at their upcoming events/classes list and book early for popular dates.
A creative “pick-your-own” day at Corris Craft Centre (Corris, Mid Wales – easy trip from southern Eryri)
Corris Craft Centre is a classic for a reason: multiple studios, makers you can watch at work, and plenty of hands-on experiences to book – think chocolate making, pottery painting, candle dipping, art workshops and even furniture-building experiences.
Good for: families, groups, “everyone chooses their own activity” days
Time: 15–30 min tasters up to longer sessions (varies by activity)
Tip: activities are popular – pre-book if you’ve got your heart set on one. visitmidwales.co.uk
Pottery courses at Glosters (Porthmadog)
Glosters is a brilliant independent shop for contemporary ceramics and gifts – and they also run pottery courses in Porthmadog. Ideal if you want to try the wheel, learn the basics, and go home with something you made.
Good for: solo days, creative weekends, “I’ve always wanted to try pottery” moments
Time: varies by course
Tip: check their site for the latest course dates.
Write something (finally) at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre (near Criccieth / Llanystumdwy)
If the new year always makes you think “I should write more”, Tŷ Newydd is the dream setting: it’s the National Writing Centre of Wales, run by Literature Wales, offering expert-led creative writing courses and retreats for all levels.
And a small correction from the original post: the house is associated with former Prime Minister David Lloyd George (not “David Lloyd”).
Good for: writers of any level, quiet resets, creative headspace
Time: day courses to week-long courses/retreats (some non-residential)
Welsh wine & cider (without the awkward “yes I can totally taste oak” moment) at Pant Du Vineyard & Orchard (Nantlle Valley, near Caernarfon)
Pant Du is a family-run vineyard and orchard with a café and shop, set on the slopes of the Nantlle Valley. Guided tours take you through the orchard and vineyard and usually include a small tasting of Pant Du produce.
Good for: relaxed “grown-up” afternoons, visitors, locals who’ve never been
Time: typically 1–2 hours
Tip: tours can be seasonal – check dates before travelling.
Jewellery, craft & making skills at Siop iard (Caernarfon)
Based in the centre of Caernarfon, Siop iard is a collective of artists who make and sell work from the shop and also run high-quality craft courses through the year (including jewellery and other creative skills).
Good for: jewellery lovers, small-group learning, gift-making energy
Time: often day courses (varies by listing)
Tip: their course themes change – check the site/social updates for what’s coming up next.
Learn Welsh (properly) at Nant Gwrtheyrn (Llŷn Peninsula)
If you want something meaningful – and very North Wales – Nant Gwrtheyrn offers residential Welsh language courses on the Llŷn Peninsula, with different levels available.
Good for: culture lovers, immersive breaks, beginners to advanced learners
Time: residential courses (various lengths)
Surf or paddleboard lessons with Gecko Surf (Rhosneigr, Anglesey)
For a fresh-air dopamine hit (and a lot of laughing), book a surf or paddleboarding lesson in Rhosneigr. Gecko offers lessons for a range of levels.
Good for: active weekends, families, trying something totally new
Time: typically around 1.5 hours per lesson (varies) (Driftwood)
Foraging & wild food courses (woodland / coastal / fungi)
North Wales is made for foraging – coast, woodland, and everything in between. You can book guided foraging walks and skills courses (including coastal edibles and mushroom ID) with experienced instructors.
Good for: nature lovers, foodies, slow weekends
Time: often half-day
Tip: choose by season (especially for fungi).
Scrambling & mountaineering skills in Eryri (Snowdonia)
If you love the mountains but want to move more confidently on rock, book a scrambling or mountaineering skills day. There are courses ranging from intro scrambling to rope skills and progression routes.
Good for: hillwalkers ready for the next step
Time: usually a full day
Tip: tell the provider your experience so they match the right terrain/course.
Level up your camera skills with a Snowdonia photography workshop
If you’re always taking photos but want them to actually match what it felt like being there, a guided photography workshop is a great shout – there are one-day small-group options in Eryri.
Good for: beginners to improvers, solo travellers
Time: commonly one day
Try eFoiling with FoilRide (Anglesey / Menai Strait)
Want a proper “I can’t believe I did that” skill? FoilRide offers eFoil lessons in North Wales (electric surfboard on a hydrofoil).
Good for: adventurous adults, bucket-list experiences
Time: lesson-based
Top tip: book ahead – these sessions are usually limited
