DO SOMETHING YOU
New Year, new things to do, try, and explore in Surrey in 2026. Looking for short courses and workshops? Expand your mind, broaden your horizons, and get a new perspective on life as you know it with these top courses kicking off this January. Whether you want to finally learn to crochet or try your hand at blacksmithing, do something, you.
ROSE PLAYERS / JANUARY 5 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON
Rose Players is our introductory acting group open for anyone aged over 18. We welcome actors of all ages and experience to take part in classes that focus on professional-process and technique. Perhaps you’ve never acted before, or perhaps you are returning to it. All you need is enthusiasm and to be able to commit to the classes over the course of the term. We explore major practitioners, methods of working on different styles of text, improvisation and vocal techniques that are applicable to many different areas of life. Whether you are thinking about professional training or you’re an enthusiastic amateur, this is a great way to spend your Monday evenings.
For more, visit rosetheatre.org
ROUGH DRAFT WRITERS / JANUARY 6 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Are you looking for a place to meet other writers, hone your skills, or just carve out time to write? These workshops provide a space and inspiration to nurture and develop your creative writing, whether that’s prose, poetry, drama or memoir. Each session looks at a different writing prompt or technique, and there will be the opportunity to share what you create and receive feedback.
Sessions take place on January 6, 27, February 3, 24, March 3, 24.
For more, visit farnhammaltings.com
SKETCH CLUB (5-WEEK ART COURSE) / JANUARY 8 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE
Fancy going this friendly 5-week creative course exploring the stunning interiors and gardens of West Horsley Place? Join artist Jane Allison and enjoy filling a sketchbook with drawings and paintings inspired by the beautiful manor house, gardens, and grounds. Explore different techniques and materials as you create a visual diary of your time in this unique historic setting. Sessions will take place in various locations depending on the weather, including the manor, gardens, barn, and wider estate.
For more, visit westhorsleyplace.org
GUILDFORD SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ADULT CLASSES / JANUARY 14 / GREENARK, GUILDFORD
Join Guildford Shakespeare Company for this 5- week practical exploration of Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s sparkling romantic comedy, featuring the irresistible will-they-won’t-they pairing of Beatrice and Benedick. During the course you can expect to enhance your acting skills through a mixture of exercises, improvisations and director-led rehearsal. The sessions will be collaborative and informal, with opportunities to direct and devise as a company. This evening class is designed for people with any level all levels of experience of Shakespeare and acting, and all ages are welcome.
For more, visit guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk
SEWCIALISE / JANUARY 14 / FARNHAM MALTINGS
Sewcialise is a super friendly 10-week course open to anyone who would like to sew in great company whilst learning new skills or adding to existing ones. You might be completely new to sewing, or need a refresher and would like to complete our tried and tested foundation course. It could be that you would like to focus on getting a good fit to your handmade clothes. Maybe you want to tackle a fabric you have never used before, like jersey, a slippery silk or try pattern matching? Perhaps you would like to make a garment that you’ve never felt confident to attempt on your own. It could be that you’d like to create some soft furnishings or use up all of your scraps on a patchwork quilt. The possibilities are endless.
For more, visit farnhammaltings.com
POTTERY: BEGINNERS AND IMPROVERS THROWING COURSE / JANUARY 14 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE
This 5-week Beginners Throwing Course at Watts Gallery is taught by resident ceramicist Bahareh Khomeiry and is perfect for those new to the wheel. Class sizes are kept small so that you have your own wheel to work on throughout the sessions and the tutor will be present to guide you and offer advice. This course aims to provide a creative, informative, and enjoyable experience for all participants.
For more, visit wattsgallery.org.uk
LEARN TO CROCHET COURSE / JANUARY 20 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ARTS CENTRE, WALTON ON THAMES
Want to learn how to crochet? This learn to crochet course is for you if you are a complete beginner and you’ve never even picked up a hook, for someone that has dabbled in crochet but never really got to grips with it. For that someone that may have crocheted many years ago but need refreshing on the basic techniques. Self-taught from the internet but want to make sure you’re not picking up any bad habits? Sign up and swing on over too Walton to go-go crochet!
For more, visit rIverhousebarn.co.uk
BLACKSMITHING COURSE / JANUARY 30 / RURAL LIFE LIVING MUSEUM, TILFORD
Love heavy metal? Ever wanted to learn how to become a blacksmith? Roam over to the oldy-woldy environs of Rural Life Living Museum and learn the fundamentals of hot forging metal. Throughout the session, students will learn fundamental blacksmithing techniques by creating classic items that they can take home. This immersive experience provides a comprehensive introduction to the traditional craft of blacksmithing. Your day will depend on your blacksmith tutor as each craftsman has a unique style; making your day all the more special.
For more, visit rural-life.org.uk
