STANWICK “LATES”
Creative Evening Workshops at Stanwick Lakes
Creative Evenings at Stanwick Lakes
Experience the charm of Stanwick “Lates” where our Visitor Centre opens for an evening of relaxed workshops. With tranquil evening skies reflected on the lakes and the café transformed into a cosy VIP area with warm décor and tasty refreshments, it’s the perfect setting for a creative evening of crafting.
This year, our open water swimming sessions will run alongside our lates, creating a vibrant atmosphere with like minded people enjoying the surroundings of the nature reserve.
Don’t fancy a cold dip? Try a workshop instead!
May “Lates” – Friday 22nd May 2026
With spring in full swing and the evenings stretching out, it’s the perfect time to come and try your hand at some traditional crafts. From weaving and floristry to the heat of the forge, there’s something to get stuck into whatever your interests – whether you’re coming with friends, a partner, or just yourself.
There are three workshops to choose from:
Corn Dollies
– Try this ancient craft and weave your own piece of living history.
Flower Crowns
– Try this timeless skill and craft your own handmade seasonal keepsake.
Blacksmithing Taster
– Try this ancient skill and craft a handmade bottle opener.
Arrival time: 5.30pm,
Includes a glass of prosecco/nosecco on arrival and a tea/filter coffee and a sweet treat to finish!
Corn Dollies
Welcome in the new season by making your very own May queen. May queens have their roots in ancient European and Celtic traditions and represent the life-giving forces of nature and renewal. In this hands on session, you will learn traditional techniques and work with raffia and wheat, to create your own corn dolly, inspired by traditional May queens.
Dried Flower Crown
Mark the turning of the season with a traditional May Day flower crown workshop. Rooted in centuries-old celebration, flower crowns have long symbolised renewal, abundance and the beauty of nature in full bloom. In this relaxed, hands-on session you’ll be guided through creating your own crown using dried flowers, inspired by classic May Day garlands.
Blacksmithing - Bottle Opener
Enjoy a traditional forge experience learn the ancient skill of blacksmithing. Rooted in centuries-old craft, blacksmithing has long shaped the tools and treasures of everyday life. In this hands-on session you’ll be guided through working with fire and steel to craft your own handmade bottle opener, inspired by the timeless techniques of the village smithy.
Click on your preferred workshop to select it. Coming with friends but picking different workshops? Add them to your basket one after another.