A stay at Higher Longford Cottages is the perfect opportunity to slow down, explore your creative side and discover the many talented artists and makers who call Devon and Cornwall home.
Surrounded by the inspiring landscapes of Dartmoor, there are wonderful opportunities to try traditional crafts, learn new skills and create something special to take home. Whether you enjoy painting, pottery, glass making, wood carving or seasonal crafts, there are plenty of creative experiences within easy reach of your holiday cottage. We have tried lots of lovely arts and crafts and here are just a few we can recommend.
The Garden House – Buckland Monachorum
Approx. 6 miles from Higher Longford Cottages – 15 minutes
The Garden House is famous for its beautiful plantsmanship, but it is also a wonderful destination for creative visitors. Throughout the year, the garden hosts a variety of workshops inspired by nature and the seasons.
Creative sessions include botanical art, painting, flower arranging and craft workshops. Their popular Christmas wreath-making workshops are a highlight of the festive calendar, giving visitors the chance to create a beautiful handmade wreath using natural materials and inspiration from the garden.
A visit can easily combine a workshop with exploring the stunning gardens, enjoying the café and browsing the plant sales.
Website: www.thegardenhouse.org.uk
Silver Jewellery Making – Melanie Bowler Jewellery
Approx. 15 miles from Higher Longford Cottages – 20 minutes
Do you love jewellery and wonder how the pieces are made. This is the perfect opportunity to learn incredible new skills. Melanie is very helpful and experiened. We thoroughly enjoyed making our silver jewellery and have returned to make more.
Book a workshop and make beautiful pieces of jewellery from start to finish in 3/4 hours. Smaller classes ensure you get the perfect amount of help and learn new and enjoyable skills.
Website: www.melaniebowlerjewellery.com
Pottery & Ceramics Experiences Leaf & Stone – Tavistock
Approx. 5 miles from Higher Longford Cottages – 10 minutes
Discover the joy of working with clay at Leaf & Stone in Tavistock. Their pottery workshops are perfect for beginners and anyone wanting to try something creative during their holiday.
Learn pottery techniques including working on the wheel and creating your own handmade ceramic pieces. The relaxed, friendly sessions are ideal for couples, friends or anyone looking for a memorable experience.
Leaf & Stone also offers a range of other creative workshops throughout the year, making it a great place to discover local crafts.
Website: www.leafandstonestore.co.uk
China Blue – Totnes
Approx. 35 miles from Higher Longford Cottages – 55 minutes
For a full creative day out, China Blue in Totnes combines pottery, painting and food in a unique creative space.
Visitors can:
Paint their own pottery Try pottery wheel throwing Create clay pieces Join seasonal craft workshops
Whether you want to make a special keepsake, create a gift or simply enjoy a relaxing creative activity, China Blue offers something for all abilities.
There is also a café, making it easy to spend a whole day exploring Totnes and enjoying the creative atmosphere.
Website: www.china-blue.co.uk
Matt Lambert Sculpture – Newton Abbot
Approx. 26 miles from Higher Longford Cottages – 50 minutes
Monster Face sculpting workshops at AFK Gaming – Newton Abbot.
This is a great morning with Matt, with an introduction to sculpting fantastical characters in clay.
Website: www.mattlambertsculpture.co.uk
Tavistock Scrapstore – Sustainable Creative Workshops
Approx. 5 miles from Higher Longford Cottages – 10 minutes
Tavistock Scrapstore is a fantastic resource for creative visitors who enjoy recycling, upcycling and making something unique.
Workshops change throughout the year and may include:
Seasonal crafts Family creative sessions Recycled art Upcycling projects
It is also a great place to discover unusual craft materials and be inspired by sustainable creativity.
Website: www.tavistockscrapstore.org.uk
Glass Making Experiences Jo Downs Handmade Glass – Launceston
Approx. 20 miles from Higher Longford Cottages – 35 minutes
Explore the colourful world of fused glass at Jo Downs Handmade Glass in Launceston.
Their workshops allow you to design and create your own glass artwork using different colours, textures and shapes. Suitable for beginners, you can create a unique piece to take home after it has been fired.
A visit is a wonderful combination of creativity, craftsmanship and colour.
Website: www.jodowns.com
House of Marbles & Teign Valley Glass Studio – Bovey Tracey
Approx. 35 miles from Higher Longford Cottages – 55 minutes
Discover the fascinating traditional craft of glass blowing at Teign Valley Glass Studio.
Watch skilled glass artists transform molten glass into beautiful handmade pieces, or take part in an experience where you can try glass blowing yourself under expert guidance.
Create a memorable keepsake such as a glass bauble, paperweight or decorative piece.
Website: www.houseofmarbles.com
Firework Glass Studio – Create Your Own Glass Blown Artwork
Approx. 45 miles from Higher Longford Cottages – 1 hour
For a truly hands-on glass experience, Firework Glass Studio offers visitors the chance to have a go at making their own blown glass creation.
Working alongside professional glass artists, you will experience the heat, colour and skill involved in this ancient craft and create a unique piece of artwork.
Website: www.fireworkglassstudio.co.uk
Belle Glass Crafts – Bude
Approx. 45 miles from Higher Longford Cottages – 1 hour
Combine creativity with a visit to the beautiful North Cornwall coast at Belle Glass Crafts.
Their workshops introduce visitors to glass cutting and decorative glass techniques, allowing you to design and create your own colourful glass artwork.
A lovely activity to combine with a coastal walk, beach visit or lunch in Bude.
Website: www.belleglasscrafts.co.uk
Wood, Natural Materials & Traditional Crafts The Orchard Carving Studio – Dartington
Approx. 35 miles from Higher Longford Cottages – 55 minutes
For those who love natural materials and traditional skills, The Orchard Carving Studio at Dartington offers inspiring wood carving workshops.
Learn the craft of working with wood through beginner-friendly sessions including spoon carving, green woodworking and creative carving projects. No previous experience is needed, making it an enjoyable activity for anyone wanting to try something different.
Using traditional tools and locally inspired materials, you can create your own handmade piece to treasure.
The studio is located within the creative surroundings of Dartington, where visitors can also explore independent shops, gardens and cafés.
Website: www.orchardcarvingstudio.com
Wild Wood Devon – Exeter
Approx. 35 miles from Higher Longford Cottages – 50 minutes
Wild Wood Devon offers creative workshops inspired by nature, including resin art experiences.
Learn how to combine colours, textures and natural elements to create unique decorative pieces. A great option for anyone looking for a modern craft experience and something different from traditional art. With full instruction learn about resin, the techiniques required and come away with your own piece of art. A fun morning out with an item to treasure.
Website: www.wildwooddevon.co.uk
Local Artists & Creative Inspiration Around Tavistock
The Dartmoor landscape has inspired artists for generations. During your stay, look out for:
Local painters and makers exhibiting at Tavistock Pannier Market Open Studio events across Devon Artisan craft fairs Gallery exhibitions Dartmoor-inspired artwork
From dramatic moorland skies and ancient woodland to rivers, gardens and coastlines, the area provides endless inspiration for artists and makers.
Make Your Devon Holiday Creative
Whether you spend your day creating pottery, blowing glass, painting, carving wood or making a festive wreath, there are countless opportunities to learn something new during your stay at Higher Longford Cottages.
After a creative day exploring Devon and Cornwall, return to the peace and tranquillity of your cottage, relax in the countryside and enjoy the inspiration that surrounds you.
We do recommend that if there is something you really want to do that you make a booking early. These very enjoyable activities often book up early. We have listed their website where possible and recommend you get full information as the courses can be seasonal or booked up months in advance – so don’t forget to plan ahead. I have lots lovely memories of making these crafts and make the perfect holiday memories.