Arts & Crafts

We're a crafty lot here in Devon. Inspired by our beautiful surroundings we like to paint, sew, sculpt, knit and make ... and show off the end results afterwards.

If you’re looking for some heartfelt, gifts made by local people, then you have come to the right place. There are towns all over Devon that create beautiful arts and crafts which are available to buy for your family and friends.

If you're looking for somewhere to indulge your artistic side, you'll find courses and drop in events all over the county. There are also kids' events and attractions which allow them to get arty, and galleries where you can see how the professionals do it - just take a look at the full list of arts and crafts events and attractions below.

For new comers to Devon, if you want to find some evidence of the amount of art and craft talent that we have, be sure to stop off at Totnes on your travels. This quaint little town is often described as ‘quirky’ and has a whole host of little shops offering the best in home and handmade crafts. Plus, being in Totnes will also put you in the vicinity of Dartington Hall, where you can find many an art event taking place, from local music student’s to theatre and displays of photographs and paintings.

It doesn’t end in Totnes, you can find amazing arts and craft workshops all over, plus permenant places, such as the Paint Hub in Dawlish Warren. This cute café not only offers a great cup of tea, but visitors can create their own piece of usable pottery while they relax. Paint and create to your hearts content, it is also suitable for children and provides a different experience for them than usual café stop offs! The Old Kennels in Honiton also offers courses throughout the year for those wanting to learn a new skill and get involved in arts and crafts.

It isn’t just painting, pottery and other small products that you can make, get in touch with the team at Steve Robinson’s Glass and be amazed at what you can create out of freshly made glass at one of the workshops. They will even keep your creations for you over night when they set! House of Marbles also works with glassmakers in the region and has four museums showing a wide range of products from glasswork, to pottery, marbles and even games.

It is no surprise that Devon has produced so many creative individuals, if you’re staying here you’ll wake up every morning to spectacular views, either of the rolling countryside, the dramatic coastlines or sights of incredible architecture. Whatever it is that awakens the artist in you, you’ll find it here in Devon.

Arts and Crafts are an important part of Devon’s identity, with the Devon’s Guild of Craftsmen, based in Bovey Tracey, flying the flag for handmade products. You can visit them at their contemporary venue, which is free to enter and explore their galleries and shops, as well as stop for refreshments. The galleries feature artists and crafters from all over the country, so take your time as you go through and see if you spot anywhere you recognise! If you find yourself wanting to get involved while wandering through the legions of talented painters, photographers and other artists, then you can, they offer free activities which are popular with families and individuals alike, so you too can get involved.

Look below at some of the attractions offering arts and crafts and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for events taking place all over the region with arts and crafts workshops.