Senior Friendly Craft Activities in Ipswich, Woodbridge and Felixstowe
Keep your seniors active and creative with these fun craft workshops and classes in Ipswich, Woodbridge and Felixstowe.
As we get older it is important to keep ourselves engaged and continue with activities that help with our memories, coordination, and socialisation. One great way to do this is to join a class or try some other craft-based activities. You’re never too old to learn new things, so why not try your hand at sewing and stitching or pick up a paintbrush and create your first masterpiece.
There is a large range of community, craft-based activities in Ipswich, Woodbridge and Felixstowe so we’ve listed our top 5 to get you started.
Grange Farm Shop, EJaRt Creative - Woodbridge
If knitting is ‘knot’ for you, yet you enjoy getting crafty and fancy trying something a little different, you should consider taking a trip to Grange farm shop in Hasketon, Woodbridge. In the old Black Barn, you will find local arts and crafts created by local artists for sale, as well as courses run by very talented artist Emma Robinson, whose dream was to set up a creative space that is inclusive of people of all ages and abilities, in her hometown of Suffolk.
Anyone is welcome to experiment with their creative side here, including those with mobility issues as there is wheelchair access. There is a wide range of workshops for you to try including felting, wax, printmaking, floristry and many more. There is a downloadable calendar on the website making it very simple to see what’s on and when.
There is a café onsite which boasts a warm and friendly atmosphere and is open every day excluding Sundays. If you would like to make a day of it, Grange Farm is home to Richard Rush antiques, and you can take a stroll through the beautiful wildflower meadows. Find it here.
The Wool Baa - Felixstowe
Along the high street in Felixstowe, situated in the old Post office building, The Wool Baa is a wool shop with a difference! Visitors can purchase arts and craft kits to take home and complete, but they are very welcome to stay onsite and have a cup of tea and cake whilst they craft the afternoon away.
Ran by store owners Debbie and her partner Daren, the store was opened back in 2017 as it was a lifelong dream for them both. Debbie and Daren are very much involved with the local community, holding events in the store and offering Knit and Natter evenings alongside plenty of other knitting and craft groups throughout the week. If you are local to Felixstowe or are a regular visitor, you may have even spotted the fantastic post box toppers that are knitted by Debbie and set up as part of a trail where you can go in search of them and win a prize.
A warm, friendly, and inviting atmosphere here with street-level entry and wheelchair access. There is a large seating area, and tables and chairs can be moved if desired. A visit to The Wool Baa is a must if you have a crafty relative.
Inside Out Community - Ipswich
Offering a place for its attendees to declutter their minds and find a sense of inner tranquillity, The Inside Out Community in Ipswich was founded in 2003 and uses creativity as a way of maintaining their mental health and emotional well-being. Here you can opt to take part in a range of fantastic workshops, including dance, creative writing, painting, and jewellery making, suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
The workshops are a great way to get your elderly relatives engaged and are especially good for those with cognitive impairments. As we know, physical health is often linked to mental health and so more laid-back sessions can be great for improving both mental and physical well-being.
There is lots of information on their websiteso you can take a look and plan your visits accordingly. Find iton Gatacre road, just around the corner from Bramford road. There is free parking onsite via the large blue gates.
Pennikkity Pots Ceramics cafe - Ipswich
Just behind Marks and Spencer’s, off of the main high street in Ipswich, Penikkity Pots is an established ceramics painting studio that delivers over 20 years of expertise to people of all ages and abilities. Keeping things mess-free, the studio offers prebuilt kits that you can purchase and paint all whilst enjoying a toastie or a slice of cake and a hot drink. The café is open 7 days a week and the staff suggest pre-booking a space as it is very popular with the locals.
Whether you are creating a bespoke gift for someone special or you simply enjoy relaxing whilst getting creative, the friendly staff will talk you through the process from painting to glazing and firing.
The café itself is small and there is a step up into it from street level. There is a small fee of £3 to cover your time in the studio. There is a pay and display car park adjacent to the café, with plenty of car parks within a few minutes walk. Time in the ceramics café can vary depending on what you choose to do, however, if you are looking to extend your trip, why not visit the local Museumwhilst you are in the area which is only a 5-minute walk away?
The Salvation Army, Art For Fun - Ipswich
Lastly, we bring you to The Salvation Army on Queen’s Way in Ipswich. We have found two groups that run here in the week suitable for people of all ages and abilities. On Tuesday mornings you can go along to the Craft Morning where you are welcome to bring your own projects or start something new, and then there is Art for Fun which runs every Friday morning that occasionally invites speakers or demonstrators.
The Salvation Army play an important role in the local community, providing a range of family-based activities and welfare support. The Hub café provides light lunches and refreshments for an additional cost and the volunteers say that this is the perfect place for meeting friends or making new ones.
Whether you are a complete beginner or the next Van Gogh, these classes offer fun for everyone in a relaxing and safe space.
