We have a range of activities running throughout the year – please see our What’s on when page for a full calendar of events. Early booking is recommended as each event has limited spaces; once you have chosen, please go to the Book & buy page or email us.
Appliqué and sewing
Bring the kids along to learn how to sew together and have fun. There are lots of things to choose to make and they can be personalised with appliqué designs.
| Duration: | 1 day |
| Available: | All year |
| Capacity: | 20 people / session |
| Cost*: | £45 / adult |
| £15 / child |
Hat-making
Making hats is a traditional Clophill craft and continues to be a skilled craft locally. Hat-making is a fun activity to do as a family, to learn a new skill with friends or perhaps as an unusual way to celebrate a hen party or birthday. Join our international hat maker for one of these seasonal courses:
Blocked felt hats (autumn / winter)
This workshop will include a demonstration on how felt is made and allow you to ‘have a go’. We’ll look at different types of felt as well as how to block it using traditional hand skills and finishing techniques. You’ll complete the session with your own made-to-measure hat.
Straw plaiting and hats (spring)
This workshop will include straw-plaiting as well as a masterclass on the different types of straw and how to hand block, stiffen and finish. This could include children making Easter bonnets for themselves or their favourite dolly.
Wedding fascinators (summer)
Make a ‘one off’ fascinator to go with your summer wedding outfit! This workshop will demonstrate how to make an alice band using sprung millinery wire, hand-made flowers and bead-work.
| Duration: | 1 day |
| Available: | Seasonal (see above) |
| Capacity: | 20 people / session |
| Cost*: | £50 / adult |
| £15 / child |
Jam-making
Come in September with the family and pick some of our wonderful wild berries whilst learning what is edible and what to avoid.
Enjoy a traditional local lunch at the eco lodges and then cook up your berries in the afternoon. Our local crafter will also be on hand to help you decorate your jars to be as beautiful as your jam.
| Duration: | 1 day |
| Available: | All year |
| Capacity: | 20 people / session |
| Cost*: | £35 / adult |
| £5 / child |
Quilting
Quilt-making is one of the UK’s most popular crafts. Come along and find out why.
Learn traditional techniques and tricks along with tips for sourcing the materials.
| Duration: | 1 day |
| Available: | All year |
| Capacity: | 20 people / session |
| Cost*: | £45 / adult |
| £15 / child |
Weaving
Straw-plaiting was a busy tradition in Victorian Clophill, where almost every child could be seen making straw plaits for the Luton hat industry.
Learn how to weave and make your own straw doll, basket or table mat.
Alternatively, learn willow-weaving utilising local materials.
| Duration: | 1 day |
| Available: | All year |
| Capacity: | 20 people / session |
| Cost*: | £55 / adult |
| £15 / child |