Lace Making Workshop and Tour

Nottingham was the centre of Britain's lace industry, and this hands-on workshop teaches you the traditional techniques that made the city wealthy in the 18th and 19th centuries. You'll use bobbins and pillows to create a small piece of genuine Nottingham lace, guided by someone trained in the craft. The Heritage Centre tour adds context about the industry, the workers, and how the trade shaped the city. You leave with a piece you made yourself. Best for craft enthusiasts and those interested in industrial heritage. This is a moderate activity lasting 2.5 hours. Group size: 2-12. You meet at Lace Market Heritage Centre. Key highlights: Create a genuine piece of Nottingham lace with traditional bobbins, Learn a craft skill that shaped the Industrial Revolution, Understand the lives of lace workers through museum artefacts.

Price: £28

Duration: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: moderate

Group size: 2-12

Minimum age: 8+

Best for: craft enthusiasts and those interested in industrial heritage

Best time: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00am–12:30pm sessions. Book 2+ weeks ahead, especially for school holidays or group visits.

Meeting point: Lace Market Heritage Centre

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

10:00am Arrival at Lace Market Heritage Centre; welcome and safety briefing - Meet instructor, receive apron, learn about lace-making tools and safety.

10:10am–10:40am Heritage Centre tour with historical context - See artefacts, machinery, and photographs documenting Nottingham's lace industry boom and decline.

10:40am–11:50am Hands-on lace-making workshop at pillow and bobbins - Learn basic bobbin lace techniques. Create a small piece (approximately 4–6 inches). Instructor provides one-on-one guidance.

11:50am–12:10pm Finish and prepare your lace for removal - Mount your finished lace on card backing. Instructor shows how to care for it.

12:10pm–12:15pm Wrap up; take home your creation - Leave with your lace in protective packaging. Browse the small gift shop if interested.

The whole experience takes 2.5 hours. Difficulty: moderate. You meet at Lace Market Heritage Centre.

• Create a genuine piece of Nottingham lace with traditional bobbins
• Learn a craft skill that shaped the Industrial Revolution
• Understand the lives of lace workers through museum artefacts
• Leave with a tangible, handmade souvenir
• Small group size ensures personal attention from instructor

What is included: Guided tour of Lace Market Heritage Centre, All lace-making materials and tools, One-on-one instruction during workshop, Your finished lace piece mounted and protected.

Not included: Drinks or refreshments, Additional lace or crafting supplies beyond the included project, Parking. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Glasses if needed (close detail work), Steady hands and patience, Camera to document your lace before removing it. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00am–12:30pm sessions. Book 2+ weeks ahead, especially for school holidays or group visits..

Tip: Take home your lace creation

Tip: Materials provided

Accessibility: Workshop requires sustained hand dexterity and fine motor control; not suitable for those with severe arthritis or hand tremors. Tables are standard height. No wheelchair access due to narrow workshop door and equipment layout..

Operator: Nottingham Lace Centre

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Galleries of Justice Museum (3 min walk)
• Lace Market (1 min walk)
• National Justice Museum (5 min walk)

This activity is run by Nottingham Lace Centre.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 10 days before. £5 non-refundable fee 3–10 days before. Non-refundable within 3 days..

Accessibility: Workshop requires sustained hand dexterity and fine motor control; not suitable for those with severe arthritis or hand tremors. Tables are standard height. No wheelchair access due to narrow workshop door and equipment layout..

Best time to go: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00am–12:30pm sessions. Book 2+ weeks ahead, especially for school holidays or group visits..

Do I need experience to do the lace-making workshop?

No. The instructor teaches beginners from scratch. You'll learn basic bobbin lace techniques during the workshop. The finished piece will be simple but authentic. Prior craft experience helps but isn't required.

What can I make in 1.5 hours of lace making?

You'll create a small bookmark-sized piece (4–6 inches) using traditional bobbin and pillow techniques. It's enough to learn the skill and leave with a souvenir. More complex pieces require longer workshops (not offered in the standard session).

Why is Nottingham famous for lace?

Nottingham became the global lace capital in the 18th and 19th centuries after the Jacquard loom was invented and the city became the manufacturing hub. The heritage tour explains how the industry transformed the city and why it eventually declined.