Creative Escape: Top Arts & Crafts Activities in Edinburgh for Students

About the author: Hello! My name is Madelaine Lee but I usually go by Maddie. I am currently a 2nd year Fine Art student at the University of Edinburgh. I love doing things that are hands on – whether it's art and crafts, gardening, painting, pottery, you name it! I am also very much a nature girl and love going on walks and hikes. My art studio is where I spend most of my time, but if not you'll probably see me dancing or ice skating too. I can't wait to share the ins and outs of university life with all of you!

Edinburgh isn't just about Harry Potter, ancient castles, and cozy cafés – it's also a city bursting with creativity! For students looking to take a break from studying, or for groups of friends looking to do an activity together, this city offers a handful of art and crafts events that are fun, affordable, and perfect for bonding and de-stressing. Whether you're into painting, pottering, sewing or just getting hands on, here are some of the best arts activities around Edinburgh.

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Edinburgh Arts Festival

If you're in Edinburgh during the summer, the Edinburgh Arts Festival is a must-see event! Running alongside the famous Fringe, the Edinburgh Arts Festival transforms the city into an open gallery filled with installations, exhibitions and workshops. The exhibitions are free and the festival runs special learning programs and interactive sessions, too, so look forward to getting your hands on materials and techniques. It's a perfect mix of culture and inspiration, even if you're not an art student.

Keep an eye out on the festival’s website near the summer for workshop dates and volunteer opportunities!

Exhibitions and galleries

There are always exhibitions happening in Edinburgh all year round. And it's no wonder, especially when you consider how many galleries Edinburgh is home to: the National Gallery of Scotland, the National Portrait Gallery, Modern One and Modern Two, the Fruitmarket Gallery, Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh Printmakers Exhibition... the list goes on.

Many of these galleries can be found around the Mound (situated directly in between the Old Town and the New Town), where you can discover both Scottish art and international masterpieces. With displayed works varying from French Impressionism to contemporary art, visiting these venues is truly a great way to broaden your horizons and increase your art knowledge.

For more information on the exhibitions in particular or on gallery opening times, visit the National Galleries website.

ClassBento

ClassBento is one of many workshops in Edinburgh where you’ll find anything and everything creative to do! They conduct lessons on wheel-throwing pottery, candle-making, resin jewellery, up-cycling sewing classes, and paint and sip evenings. These are beginner friendly sessions with materials provided, and you;ll get to make something you can take home!

Whether it is a handmade jewellery piece, a fabric bag, or a home decor item, you'll enjoy the mix of creativity, relaxation, and socialising that ClassBento gives. Invite your friends to join you in this activity or go solo on a day off to switch off your study mind. Classes are short and only lasts for a few hours, so they should fit easily in between lectures or during the weekends.

If you're interested, visit the ClassBento website for booking and pricing information.

Polymorphics

If you’ve ever wanted to make your own terrazzo jewellery, resin trays or home decor, Polymorphics is the place to go. It's another studio offering short workshops in eco-resin and sustainable crafts. This is perfect for students who want to create something stylish whilst benefiting the environment! Materials are provided and the instructor is hands on when teaching, making it ideal for students who might not have much hands-on experience with crafts.

As winter and Christmas are coming up, they have festive events coming up so make sure you keep an eye out on their website for fun and festive things to do.

Edinburgh Open Workshop

The Edinburgh Open Workshop is a space for makers interested in woodworking, textiles, metal work, or laser cutting. Whatever your specialty or interest might be, the Edinburgh Open Workshop has the facilities needed to create your project.

Tucked away in Leith, this community maker space is built for everyone, whether you are a beginner just starting out or a skilled craft student. They have workshops and courses designed for all skill levels led by professional makers, making it a suitable venue for students who have project-based ideas that require budget-friendly facilities as well as constant guidance from technicians.

The Edinburgh Open Workshops have many events across the year, including the upcoming family days, design exhibitions, the Festive Makers Market, Leith Creative Trail, and more. Check out their website for more information.

Whether you're a budding artist or a total beginner, or are just looking for a creative outlet, Edinburgh’s art and craft scene has something for everyone. If you're ever feeling stressed from exams or are searching for fun activities to do with your friends, consider joining one of these creative scenes in Edinburgh!

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