Learning / Adult education

Bristol institutions offering the chance to learn something different

By Susie Long  Thursday Dec 18, 2025

It’s never too late to pick up a new skill or hobby. From crafts to finance, Bristol has hundreds of opportunities to dip your toe back into the world of education and try something new.

Bristol Folk House
Tucked away on Park Street, Bristol Folk House is somewhat of a haven for adult education courses in the city. With classes ranging from line dancing and ukulele to modern languages and writing, there is something for everyone. Classes vary from day courses to full programmes, and cater to beginners and returning hobbyists alike.

Bristol Folk House is a hub for culture and adult education – photo: Bristol Folk House

Bristol Community Learning
Founded by Bristol City Council, Community Learning offers practical courses to help with employability and skill building. Teaching English for speakers of other languages, IT skills, gardening and so much more, the group runs sessions all around the city.

For IT to courses like gardening, Bristol Community Learning offers it all – photo: Bristol Community Learning

Kadampa Meditation Centre
A change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Gloucester Road, Kadampa Meditation Centre teaches the importance of slowing down and finding calm. Running classes spanning from hours to weekends and longer retreats, the charity centre is open to all hoping to reduce stress and slow their brains down a little.

Kadampa Meditation Centre also has an open-to-all ‘World Peace Cafe’ – photo: Kadampa Meditation Centre

Adult Learning at Stoke Lodge
Stoke Lodge hosts an enormous variety of adult education courses, covering genealogy, languages, film studies and practical crafts like stained glass making, upholstery or floristry. With some courses lasting months and others taking just your daily coffee break, it’s a great place to look for something new to try out.

Stoke Lodge offers a huge variety of hobby and skill courses – photo: Bristol City Council

Main photo: Bristol Folk House

Read next:

EatDrink24/7 Launch Party is back on July 8 2026!
Exclusive collabs from Bristol’s favourite food vendors, available for one night only. Be first to grab your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 guide – plus every ticket comes with a free limited-edition beer can.

 

Our newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing and Privacy Policy

Bristol24/7 will use the information provided on this form to send you marketing from Bristol24/7 and selected advertising partners. Your data will not be passed onto third parties. By completing this form, you are consenting to our use of your data for marketing purposes via email.


We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected]. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

EATDRINK24/7 LAUNCH PARTY
CALLING ALL FOODIES!

Bristol's only truly independent food & drink guide is back, and we're throwing a party to celebrate on July 8 2026 at Wiper and True Brewery & Taproom, Old Market.

  • Exclusive collaborations from Bristol's favourite food vendors (you can't try these special dishes anywhere else)
  • Be the first to pick up your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 Guide
  • Music + great drinks
  • Each ticket includes a beer from Wiper and True, a special limited-edition can created just for the occasion.

One night only - don't miss out

Get Your Ticket

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning

Are you sure you want to downgrade?

You will lose some benefits you currently enjoy.
Benefits you will lose: