Crafty Monkeys
Crafty Monkeys
5
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
A warm family welcome awaits you at our craft studio where you can have a go no matter what age or ability! No booking necessary during opening hours for all activities apart from the potter's wheels where tuition is included. All other crafts Decopatch, pottery painting and mosaics initial instruction given as required! Prices start at just £6.50. We can fully glaze and fire in our studio or loads of take home on the day options. We have our own toilet and baby change. Hot and cold drink facilities.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingWhat is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
102 within 5 kms
Attractions
42 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
206 reviews
Excellent
195
Very good
8
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
marygdoherty1
Kincasslagh, Ireland14 contributions
Aug 2014
Spent a lovely morning here with the kids. They painted sharks, dragons and princesses. Then we got their handprints put on tiles for our new house. These were posted to Ireland for us as we were leaving that day and they needed to go in the oven.
Written July 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LesleyAnn
Middlesbrough, UK222 contributions
We were on holiday for a week in August and luckily had a week of sunshine mostly. But one afternoon we saw the rain coming decided to pop in here for a few hours after reading reviews.
We weren't disappointed. We were greeted with a warm welcome. Very friendly and helpful. Gave us a full explanation of the crafts available, plus costa of going through the kiln and postage etc - so there was no surprises.
My friend and I had our two sons. One 10 year old and one 5 year old. They loved it.
Painted pottery and did some decoupatch.
We were there for a good few hours.
We took some things home with us and left some items to go through the kiln. They were delivered within 2 weeks and turned out great.
Definitely going to try the pottery making next time we are back over that way.
Many thanks for an excellent afternoon.
We weren't disappointed. We were greeted with a warm welcome. Very friendly and helpful. Gave us a full explanation of the crafts available, plus costa of going through the kiln and postage etc - so there was no surprises.
My friend and I had our two sons. One 10 year old and one 5 year old. They loved it.
Painted pottery and did some decoupatch.
We were there for a good few hours.
We took some things home with us and left some items to go through the kiln. They were delivered within 2 weeks and turned out great.
Definitely going to try the pottery making next time we are back over that way.
Many thanks for an excellent afternoon.
Written April 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nataliecronin
Leeds, UK6 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
My boyfriend and I recently visited Crafty Monkeys (a detour of 30 minutes to see what all the fuss was about), and absolutely loved it. I must admit I was a bit nervous that it would be too young for us, (mid 20's), but it was one of the most fun experiences i've had for a while. The guys made it the experience it was with personal stories and joking around for the older 'students'. It's definitely not just for kids and there is plenty of options to chose from all at affordable rates. We both made a pot using their pottery wheels and have since decorated it and they have pride of place in our home. I would love to return there and recommend anyone visiting near the area to go and check them out... I guarantee you will love it.
Written March 20, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RachaelBowers
York36 contributions
Mar 2015 • Family
Visited Crafty Monkeys in March to make pots and paint ceramics. The studio is a great idea and the staff are friendly enough but the place is lacking direction.
Having booked to make a pot on the wheel, the question 'Do you know what you're doing?' was answered with 'No'. No instructions were forthcoming, so we guessed. Having had no advice, the next comment was 'You know you have to pay for each piece of clay separately?' Well no, we're not mind readers. So it ended up quite pricey!
I quite regularly use a similar venue in York and was disappointed in comparison. We visited on a quiet day, yet staff were inattentive and vague when asked for help/when could we collect items etc. Also, dust has been dropped on my painted item meaning that the glaze is gritty rather than smooth.
Having booked to make a pot on the wheel, the question 'Do you know what you're doing?' was answered with 'No'. No instructions were forthcoming, so we guessed. Having had no advice, the next comment was 'You know you have to pay for each piece of clay separately?' Well no, we're not mind readers. So it ended up quite pricey!
I quite regularly use a similar venue in York and was disappointed in comparison. We visited on a quiet day, yet staff were inattentive and vague when asked for help/when could we collect items etc. Also, dust has been dropped on my painted item meaning that the glaze is gritty rather than smooth.
Written April 27, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I was surprised to receive this review as full guidance is always offered; then we remembered you.
When offered guidance you stated that you had studied pottery at college for over a year and didn't require any. You dismissed our potter and subsequently just started helping yourself to more clay.
You actually intimidated members of staff to the point that one of them went into the back room to telephone me for advice on what to do. I advised that you should be charged an additional £5 as you had helped yourself to another 3 lots of clay.
I don't think there's any more to say on the matter.
Written April 28, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Blufog
Carlisle, UK11 contributions
Feb 2014 • Family
Was told they were closed Monday but open the rest of the week...
And discover they are closed for a fortnight during the school holiday! Day trip ruined! What happened?
And discover they are closed for a fortnight during the school holiday! Day trip ruined! What happened?
Written February 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Very sorry to hear this. Last week we were closed on Monday and Tuesday which is our normal policy during term time. This week we opened Monday and Tuesday but closed from Wednesday for two weeks due to a long standing holiday booking, and having only taken over the business on 1st February at short notice, we have been unable to organise any holiday cover. Our closed period has been conveyed to our customers via our website, and also through any telephone enquiries. I can only apologise if you were told any different when you rang us, as this would have been a genuine mistake.
Written February 19, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John R
Penrith, UK29 contributions
Apr 2019
Sadly closed in 2019 so no longer operating as a craft centre in Penrith. Doing work from home I believe
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma H
Bristol, UK34 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
My partner and I booked a one hour pottery lesson and weren’t disappointed. We made three different things on the wheel, two of which we could take home with us (one painted and sent at a later date).
The instructor was brilliant and had a good laugh with us when we messed our creations up a few times.
This really is such a fun experience and I’d recommend it to people of all ages!
The instructor was brilliant and had a good laugh with us when we messed our creations up a few times.
This really is such a fun experience and I’d recommend it to people of all ages!
Written October 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dean D
24 contributions
May 2017 • Family
Owned by a father and daughter if I am correct, who were both really nice people you could tell they really care about the business.
Not really arty but I had a go and enjoyed it!
Something different and its not too pricey either.
Not really arty but I had a go and enjoyed it!
Something different and its not too pricey either.
Written September 24, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trailia
Lancaster, UK8 contributions
Aug 2017
We booked to have an hours lesson on the pottery wheel and had brilliant time. The lady instructing us was friendly, helpful and absolutely brilliant at helping us as we are complete novices - even when we kept messing up!
We got to throw 3 pots each and both got to take home one pot that day and both had another which is being fired and then we can go back to paint it at later date (or they post it out to you if you don't want to go back to paint it).
We had really had a fantastic time learning something new and would definitely recommend visiting
We got to throw 3 pots each and both got to take home one pot that day and both had another which is being fired and then we can go back to paint it at later date (or they post it out to you if you don't want to go back to paint it).
We had really had a fantastic time learning something new and would definitely recommend visiting
Written August 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BShort95
Oxford, UK3 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
My fiancé and I were looking for a place to escape from the wind and the rain in the lake district and crafty monkeys was the perfect place. We were there for a good couple of hours and had such a brilliant time. Chilled music, calm atmosphere and really creative fun!
Initially, I was nervous that it would be very child orientated, but it wasn't. As two people in our young 20's we loved being able to just sit and paint and have a laugh together. It is such a brilliant idea and very reasonably priced. Sadly, we were only visiting the lake district on holiday so can't go back again but I would highly recommend this day out to anyone!
Initially, I was nervous that it would be very child orientated, but it wasn't. As two people in our young 20's we loved being able to just sit and paint and have a laugh together. It is such a brilliant idea and very reasonably priced. Sadly, we were only visiting the lake district on holiday so can't go back again but I would highly recommend this day out to anyone!
Written April 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, have tried calling the contact number, but just rings out, I was just checking that Crafty Monkeys is still open as saw a post saying closed? Also, if you are open + really hoping you are :) what times are you open on a Sunday + there are 7 of us wanting to come and visit on 21.7.24, do we need to book at all + as it's a birthday as well, not sure if there's any special pottery we could paint? Sorry for all the questions. Thanks.
Written July 11, 2024
Hi
I will be in the area in February and was wondering what your opening hours are on a Saturday and/or Sunday. I have fancied trying out a potters wheel. It would just be myself and my husband coming along a bit embarrassed as most reviews have young children they have taken along. Also do I need to book a time slot or can I just turn up on spec.?
Written January 7, 2016
Hi, we are open 10 - 4 Saturday and 11 - 4 Sunday. You can find all activities on our website
You do need to book if you want a go on the potter's wheel - we get many adults on the wheel so don't be embarrassed!
Use the email, contact form on web or telephone when we are open if you would like to book a slot. Helen
Written January 11, 2016
Hi, my name is ann withey, is crafty monkeys still run by the Rowe family? if so Tim would you email me I need to ask you a question.
If I have the wrong people please accept my apologies ann
Written August 5, 2015
Hi Tim my mobile and landline remain the same as always it's only a family question I need to ask.look forward to hearing from you . love to you all
Written August 6, 2015
Showing results 1-5 of 5
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing