Claysongs Ceramics Studio

There's something satisfying about getting your hands properly dirty at Claysongs Ceramics Studio, just outside Forres in Aberdeenshire. This is a working pottery studio where you can actually have a go yourself rather than just watching from behind velvet ropes.

The setup is straightforward - you come in, pick what you fancy making, and get stuck into it. Wheel throwing, hand-building, glazing; the instructors are patient enough with complete beginners, which means you won't feel like you're holding everyone back. The studio has a genuine working atmosphere - there are pieces drying on shelves, kilns doing their thing, and the usual clay dust coating everything including you by the end of the session.

It works well for families who want their kids doing something more engaging than a screen, though you'll need to check they take younger age groups - pottery's got its safety considerations. Adults tend to get more out of extended sessions if they're keen on actually learning the craft rather than just having a laugh. Allow at least two hours if you're attempting anything remotely ambitious.

If you're staying at The Loft Glamping just down the road, this fills a rainy afternoon perfectly. It's the sort of place where you might come away with something wonky but genuinely yours, which beats a mass-produced souvenir every time. Check their opening hours and booking requirements before you head over - details aren't always publicised widely for smaller studios like this one.