From printmaking workshops inspired by the great outdoors to classes at the Newlyn School of Art and creative workshops inspired by the catch of the day, there’s a whole world of creative experiences waiting for you in the Penzance area. What will you make on your next break?
The maker’s break
Penzance area
Learn a new skill or hone your talent with these creative workshops.
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- The maker’s break
- Activity level: Easy
- Duration: 5-7 days
You can mix and match from the suggested activities to create a great day out during your stay. If you were to do all the activities on this itinerary, the estimated duration is given above.
Please note: You will need to contact the venue or experience provider directly to book.
Click on each individual experience and find out more about its accessibility and public transport connections, along with an eco tip.
Create your own inspiring itinerary
If you would like to build your own itinerary, head to the Experience page. You can add your favourite experiences to a bespoke itinerary, which can be downloaded or sent to your email address. Please note: This is for inspiration purposes only and does not create a booking. You will need to contact the venue or provider directly to book.
Things to do
Intro to relief printmaking
Relief printmaking is the art of carving designs into printing blocks, then pressing them onto paper to create beautiful (and often colourful) prints. Spend the day learning the technique from talented printmaker Lee Stevenson. Lee welcomes you into his studio in Longrock for an inspiring workshop, during which you’ll create amazing prints to take home. Find out more here.
Art and hiking
Discover the art of sketchbook journaling in this outdoor workshop guided by landscape painter and printmaker Oliver West. You’ll head out onto the coastal paths of West Cornwall and learn how to quickly capture the natural world through drawings and paintings. Alternatively, you could book a plein air printmaking workshop at Oliver’s studio in Marazion. Find out more here.
Unique gallery in Sennen
This distinctive, circular building in Sennen was originally built to house the capstan (a machine used to pull boats out of the harbour). Today, it’s home to a coastal art gallery that celebrates artists and art with a connection to Cornwall. Inside, you’ll find dramatic seascapes, eye-catching ceramics and a wonderful view of the harbour. Check their website for opening hours.
Ambitious creative space
The Jackson Foundation celebrates the relationship between art and the natural world, and their gallery in St Just brings this mission to life. The former industrial building is now a creative, light-flooded space powered by solar panels and ground-source heat pumps. Experience the work of renowned landscape artist Kurt Jackson, plus contemporary paintings, sculptures and installations by other artists. Find out more here.
See the studio
Pendeen is a village in West Penwith (around eight miles from Penzance) steeped in mining history. Here, you’ll find Pendeen Pottery and Gallery, home to a vibrant array of earthenware, including pint jugs in bright turquoise and salt pigs in honey mottle. You can get a feel for their work on Instagram, or you might also spot their pottery at Christmas fairs and makers’ markets in the area.
Splish-Splash-Splosh & Nosh!
Join Sea Moor Cornwall for a private Gyotaku workshop at artist Stevie’s home in Penzance. Gyotaku is a traditional Japanese method of fish printing developed by fishermen in the 1800s to record and honour the catch. Stevie uses fish and shellfish sourced sustainably from the shores of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly – and nothing goes to waste. At the end of the workshop, Stevie will clean, cook and present the fish beautifully for you to enjoy with a glass of fizz (or two!). This extraordinary workshop is suitable for 2-4 people ideally, 6 max, and no previous experience is required. Find out more at seamoorcornwall.co.uk
A calendar of classes
Explore a new medium or perfect your painting skills with a short course at the Newlyn School of Art. Whether you’re beginning with brushes or want to explore experimental painting, there’s a class for every skill level. Courses in February 2023 included Painting with Oils, Contemporary Landscapes and Abstract Figure Painting. Most courses span 3-4 days and include all the paints and materials you’ll need. You’ll find a calendar of classes on their website.
Places to Eat
Seafood in Newlyn
The Tolcarne Inn is a historic maritime pub and notable foodie destination in Newlyn. Overseen by Head Chef Ben Tunnicliffe (who previously held a Michelin Star at The Abbey), the seafood-led menu makes the most of the restaurant’s harbourside location. The menu is impressive, but it’s still a pub with a cosy fire, where you can sit, enjoy a pint and bring your dog. Find out more here.
Essential Information
Places to Stay
Retreat to a cosy self-catering cottage or book a stylish hotel in the heart of town. Discover the perfect seaside stay for your winter in Cornwall.
More inspiration?
Visit out of season and step into an adventure. Explore our entire collection of inspiring itineraries and plan a great day out.
Accessibility
Many of the activities in our itineraries are accessible. Click on each individual experience to find out more about its accessibility. We advise that you contact the venue or experience provider in advance to confirm. You can also find information about accessible venues through Access Cornwall.
Local knowledge
Enjoy updates from local experts and find information about upcoming events.
Getting around
Discover the many ways you can get out there and explore without relying on your car.
Positive impact
We’re hoping to make every stay as sustainable as possible. Find out more here.
Itinerary last updated on
This listing has been curated by the EXPERIENCE West Cornwall team and was correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We advise that you contact the venue or provider directly to confirm any seasonal opening details and to book the experience.
